Biotin can cause interactions with medications like anticonvulsants. The end result? It could lower their effectiveness or cause new side effects to pop up, like more stomach problems, says Kingsley. "Any interaction with a medication can potentially be dangerous to a patient, which is why it is very important to discuss all of your medications and supplements with your doctor," she tells Bustle.
Though many people take biotin with no issue, it's still important to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing anything out of the ordinary. That way they can provide you with safer, alternatives if need be.
Studies referenced:
Ardabilygazir, A. (2018). Effect of High-dose Biotin on Thyroid Function Tests: Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus,
Bistas, K. (2021). Biotin. StatPearls,
Cascorbi, I. (2012). Drug Interactions—Principles, Examples and Clinical Consequences. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international,
Yang, M. (2014). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatology and Therapy,
Experts:
Tania Elliott, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist at NYU Langone Health
Yoram Harth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne
Melanie Kingsley, MD, dermatologist at Indiana University Health
Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, MS, an internal medicine physician based in New York City
Ashley Southard, CEO of nutraceutical company Mushroom Design
This post was originally published on May 25, 2018. It was updated on June 18, 2019. Additional reporting by Syeda Saad.
