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Biotin 2500 Side Effects

According to Herbs 2000, a nutritional health care website, biotin is a vitamin supplement that helps the body synthesize and metabolize certain fatty acids and protein. Also known as vitamin H, biotin is often sold in a 2,500-microgram supplement form (Biotin 2500). Biotin is shown to lessen the effects of acne, brittle nails, diabetic neuropathy and thyroid disorder while having few notable side effects.

  1. Eosinophilic Pleuropericardial Effusion

    • According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the most serious side effect of biotin was reported in a woman who suffered a rare chest and lung disorder called eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion. The individual who experienced this condition is thought to have ingested large quantities of biotin along with vitamin B5. After stopping the use of both vitamins, she recovered from the condition. It is not known if the biotin, the vitamin B5 or the combination caused this condition, and it has only been reported once.

    Altered Test Results

    • There are several medical tests that are altered by the presence of biotin in the bloodstream. A lab test measuring Free Thyroxine levels (FT4) will show false high FT4 levels when there is a high amount of biotin in the bloodstream. A Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test will come up with a false low level of TSH when there are high levels of biotin in the bloodstream, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you are taking either of these tests, make sure to inform your doctor that you are on a biotin supplement.

    Lipid Lowering

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, biotin may increase the effects of lipid-lowering medications and herbal supplements. These medications and supplements are typically meant to reduce the overall level of blood cholesterol. Consult your doctor about taking a biotin supplement while taking one of these medications or herbal remedies.

    Deficiency

    • While biotin has very few side effects, there are many other chemicals, vitamins and foods that have an effect on biotin itself. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, anti-convulsant drugs and large amounts of raw egg whites can lead to a deficiency in biotin. Anti-seizure medications, such as Dilantin and Mysoline, can cause biotin deficiency. Likewise, broad-spectrum antibiotics and the acne medication Accutane may lead to reduced blood levels of biotin. Consult a doctor to determine if biotin supplementation is needed when taking these medications.

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