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What Are Vitamin E Suppositories?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Vitamin E suppositories are preparations that contain vitamin E and are designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to treat dryness or mild irritation. A doctor should be consulted before using this method of treatment, because vitamin E might negatively interact with some medications. Diarrhea, nausea and headaches are common symptoms of the use of these suppositories, although these symptoms usually diminish or disappear after a few days of beginning treatment. Any questions or concerns about the appropriate use of vitamin E suppositories in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Rectal vitamin E suppositories are sometimes used to treat conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Vitamin E has long been known for its healing benefits regarding the skin and can help soothe any discomfort that is associated with these conditions. Women who have gone through menopause and are experiencing problems with vaginal dryness might benefit from the use of vaginal suppositories.

Vitamin E suppositories may be used to combat vaginal dryness and irritation.
Vitamin E suppositories may be used to combat vaginal dryness and irritation.

Nausea and diarrhea are commonly reported symptoms among people using these suppositories for the first time. These symptoms usually are mild and tend to go away after a few days as the body adjusts to the introduction of the medication. Persistent nausea can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, although severe nausea or diarrhea should be reported to a doctor for further medical evaluation.

Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include headache.
Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include headache.

Blurred vision or mild headaches have occasionally been reported when using this preparation. The blurred vision normally occurs when looking at something very close or very far in the distance. As is the case with other potential symptoms of this medication, these side effects usually resolve on their own after a few days. If they persist or become severe, the medicine should be discontinued, and a doctor should be consulted.

Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include blurred vision.
Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include blurred vision.

A mild skin rash that develops after using these suppositories is usually nothing to worry about, although any additional symptoms should be carefully monitored. An allergy or hypersensitivity to vitamin E is rare, but it can cause potentially life-threatening complications. If swelling or hives develop, or if it becomes difficult for the person to breathe, emergency medical assistance is crucial. Anaphylaxis is an uncommon yet severe type of allergic reaction that can prove fatal within a matter of minutes if not treated promptly. When in doubt, a person should always consult a doctor concerning any potential side effects of using vitamin E suppositories.

Discussion Comments

discographer

@ysmina-- I think they're both effective. The reason I'm using vitamin E vaginal suppositories is because I have a cyst in my breast and I'm not allowed to take estrogen. But vitamin E suppositories work fine for menopause related vaginal dryness. The one I use also has natural oils in it and it has pretty much treated the dryness.

I did experience headaches when I first started using it but like the article said, it went away with use.

literally45

I've been using rectal vitamin E suppositories for a few months now. They're very nice. I wasn't sure if they would help with the symptoms of hemorrhoids and I was worried that they would be messy but they're not.

I have to use suppositories regularly anyway, to make sure that I don't irritate my hemorrhoids further. I've found vitamin E suppositories much more soothing and healing than regular suppositories. I just feel better, I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it.

ysmina

Which is better for vaginal dryness-- vitamin E vaginal suppository or estrogen cream?

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    • Vitamin E suppositories may be used to combat vaginal dryness and irritation.
      By: kocakayaali
      Vitamin E suppositories may be used to combat vaginal dryness and irritation.
    • Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include headache.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include headache.
    • Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include blurred vision.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Side effects of vitamin E suppositories may include blurred vision.
    • Menopausal woman may benefit from vitamin E suppositories.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Menopausal woman may benefit from vitamin E suppositories.
    • A doctor should be consulted before taking vitamin E suppositories.
      By: Shakzu
      A doctor should be consulted before taking vitamin E suppositories.
    • First time users of vitamin E suppositories may experience nausea.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      First time users of vitamin E suppositories may experience nausea.
    • Those who experience symptoms of anaphylaxis after using vitamin E suppositories require immediate medical attention.
      By: blondsteve
      Those who experience symptoms of anaphylaxis after using vitamin E suppositories require immediate medical attention.