Hair, Skin & Nails Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Hair, Skin & Nails

Generic name: biotin (oral) [ BYE-oh-tin ]
Brand names: Appearex, Cyto B7, Hair, Skin & Nails
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 28, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Hair, Skin & Nails?

Hair, Skin & Nails is a form of vitamin B found in foods. This medicine helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Hair, Skin & Nails has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in treating or preventing this medicine deficiency. This medicine deficiency can be caused by malnutrition, rapid weight loss, long-term tube feeding, and other medical conditions.

Hair, Skin & Nails has also been used to treat seborrhea (skin rash) in babies. However, research has shown that this medicine may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating brittle nails or thinning hair, diabetes, nerve pain, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether Hair, Skin & Nails is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Hair, Skin & Nails is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Hair, Skin & Nails may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use this product if you are allergic to Hair, Skin & Nails.

Before using Hair, Skin & Nails, talk to your healthcare provider. Your dose needs may be different:

- if you have kidney disease;

- if you have had stomach surgery; or

- if you smoke.

Ask a doctor before using Hair, Skin & Nails if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

## Related/similar drugs

acetylcysteine, ascorbic acid, biotin, Vitamin C, multivitamin, Zinc

## How should I take Hair, Skin & Nails?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use Hair, Skin & Nails, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Hair, Skin & Nails can cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

The recommended dietary allowance of biotin increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

It may take 3 to 6 months before the condition of your hair or nails improves.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with Hair, Skin & Nails does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

After you stop using Hair, Skin & Nails, your nails will likely return to their original condition within 6 to 9 months.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Hair, Skin & Nails to make up the missed dose.

## What happens if I overdose?

Since Hair, Skin & Nails is a water-soluble vitamin, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

## What should I avoid while taking Hair, Skin & Nails?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Hair, Skin & Nails side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include upset stomach or diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Hair, Skin & Nails side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Hair, Skin & Nails?

Taking certain medicines can lower your blood levels of biotin, which could affect your Hair, Skin & Nails dose needs. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine with any other medications, especially:

- carbamazepine;

- phenobarbital;

- phenytoin; or

- primidone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Hair, Skin & Nails, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

## Where can I get more information?

- Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Hair, Skin & Nails (biotin)

- Reviews (13)
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Side effects
- Drug class: vitamins
- En español

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Appearex, Cyto B7

### Related treatment guides

- Dietary Supplementation

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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