topic Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS in Wellness

FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

RespectLife — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 15:43:07 GMT

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Communication titled, “The FDA Warns that Biotin May Interfere with Laboratory Tests.” The FDA is alerting the public, health care providers and laboratory personnel that biotin can interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect lab test results.

Some supplements, particularly those labeled for hair, skin, and nail benefits, may have high doses of biotin, which may not be clear from the label. Biotin in patient samples can cause falsely high or falsely low results, depending on the test. Clinical decisions made based on incorrect laboratory test results may lead to patient harm due to inappropriate patient treatment and diagnosis.

The FDA Safety Communication is available on the FDA website.

Thank you.
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Food and Drug Administration

Just wanted everyone who takes this to be aware. I take 5000/day. The way I read this is that the warning is to make you aware that test results my be affected. I will keep this in mind should I receive any skewed blood work.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

2blonde — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 15:53:29 GMT

@RespectLife Yes, I also take a lot of Biotin. I wonder what specific tests or test results they are referring to. I mean, are they saying it will raise your LDL, glucose, or triglyceride numbers, for instance?

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

RespectLife — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:04:09 GMT

@2blonde

If you click on the blue sentence in my post...it is the link to the full article posted on the FDA website. It is quite lengthy.

Under Health care providers it says:

"Be aware that many lab tests, including but not limited to cardiovascular diagnostic tests and hormone tests, that use biotin technology are potentially affected, and incorrect test results may be generated if there is biotin in the patient’s specimen."

I didn't see exactly what you mentioned in the article..LDLm glucose etc.

I would read the full article.

I'm going to print it to discuss w/ my doc at my next appt. I won't make a special appt. just for this though...to me it is a warning to be aware of the fact and no treatment for any 'conditions' should be started w/o discussing the patients use of biotin.

BUT I am not a doctor! LOL My sister is the FDA Compliance Officer at her company and received this yesty. We both take it and she wanted me to know,

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

2blonde — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:11:20 GMT

@RespectLife Thanks for your response. I guess I was too lazy to read the full report, but maybe I will take the time to do that now. I take, and have been taking, many types of supplements and vitamins for over 40 years. I have to wonder if other supplements would have effects on bloodwork as well.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

blackhole99 — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:30:50 GMT

That should not be a problem for patients because the patient should be telling their doctor every medicine and vitamin supplement, even herbal supplements they are taking. I recently had a vit B level drawn at the lab and my results were off the charts high, but the doc knew I was taking biotin and other VitB supplements. High Vit B levels can indicate some pretty nasty diseases from what I read.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Nightowlz — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:32:31 GMT

I'm also taking 5000 mg per day. I will mention to my doctor but know that won't do any good. Doctors are not up on supplements so he won't have a clue what I'm talking about when I ask him. I'm sure the response will be not to take any supplements since he says they go in one end & out the other. When he told me that I said yes they do but I get benefits in between. They all say they are a waste of money. Guess they can have their opinions.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Shelbelle — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:45:21 GMT

Biotin is measured in mcg, not mg, I take 10,000 mcg daily, that is about the max amt. I just had blood drawn last week, not gotten any results yet.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

2blonde — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:45:24 GMT

@Nightowlz You are very correct about doctors and supplements (the "in and out" thing). What I don't understand is, if they can say that about supplements, then why do theybother prescribing pills? I mean, why would they think the result would be any different? Your doc is out of touch with the times......even docs are now telling people to take vitamin D caps, among other things. I think it does help vitamin absorption when you take them with a good meal (not a couple cups of coffee!).

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Shelbelle — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:50:14 GMT

I like to refer to Dr Andrew Weil who is educated in both regular meds and supplements.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Krimpette — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:51:08 GMT

From what I have read (and this doesn't appear to be "new" news....as long as you are certain to tell your doctor know that you're taking it and the dosage, they are supposed to convey that information to the lab. I didn't get into all the details, but it sounds like the lab can take your Biotin dosage into account what analyzing the results.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

icezeus — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:51:32 GMT

I am sure that Andrew will be reviewing. i take several of his supplements so I am interested in his take on this warning.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Nightowlz — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:55:41 GMT

@2blonde wrote:
@Nightowlz You are very correct about doctors and supplements (the "in and out" thing). What I don't understand is, if they can say that about supplements, then why do theybother prescribing pills? I mean, why would they think the result would be any different? Your doc is out of touch with the times......even docs are now telling people to take vitamin D caps, among other things. I think it does help vitamin absorption when you take them with a good meal (not a couple cups of coffee!).

@2blonde I should ask the doctor that one. LOL!!! My doctor is only 34 so you would think he would be more up on newer things. I have never seen a doctor that thinks you should take any supplements.

When I had Shingles I told him I was using my TENS because it actually helped while it was on. He told me it was only masking the symptoms. I asked what do you think those pills you are prescribing me are doing?

I do take Vit D & have that checked every year when I have my thyroid tests done.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

SilleeMee — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:02:40 GMT

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only blood test reported in the FDA article which biotin had interfered with was for a highly specific protein called troponin. What other lab tests are being affected? Very vague.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

bargainsgirl — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:05:54 GMT

Oh and another thing to worry about! I have taken biotin for a few years and I don't think it has changed any of my lab work. It has all been just fine. They need to be VERY specific when they throw out "news" like this. Just like drinking and breast cancer, salt and blood pressure, fats and cholesterol, etc...

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

hopi — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:48:37 GMT

When at Mayo clinic for some tests they said not to take any biotin couple of weeks before certain tests. Wish I could remember which one it was. They did not say not to take it.

It is probably the same as eating to many eggs, butter ,shell fish and candy before going in for your cholesteral and glucose test. Several weeks of careful food choice can change that result also.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

chrystaltree — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:14:02 GMT

That won't be a problem if when they ask what medications you take; you list everything that you take. Including all vitamins and supplements and herbals. It's shocking that people seem to think that if they think something is "natural" or if it isn't a prescription medication then it isn't a drug so they don't have to tell anyone they are taking it.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

chrystaltree — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:17:50 GMT

@Nightowlz wrote:
I'm also taking 5000 mg per day. I will mention to my doctor but know that won't do any good. Doctors are not up on supplements so he won't have a clue what I'm talking about when I ask him. I'm sure the response will be not to take any supplements since he says they go in one end & out the other. When he told me that I said yes they do but I get benefits in between. They all say they are a waste of money. Guess they can have their opinions.

Oh, good grief that's not the point and it isn't even what we are discussing. The point is that it should be documented in your record (what you are taking and how much) so that the physician will know the interactions with other medications and how it might affect lab results. Because supplements are drugs and some people are taking them in pretty high dosages.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

chrystaltree — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:25:12 GMT

@Krimpette wrote:
From what I have read (and this doesn't appear to be "new" news....as long as you are certain to tell your doctor know that you're taking it and the dosage, they are supposed to convey that information to the lab. I didn't get into all the details, but it sounds like the lab can take your Biotin dosage into account what analyzing the results.

It's not news at all but it is becoming a huge problem as people medicate themselves with herbs and supplements and take whatever someone they see on tv tells them to take and then fail to disclose it to their doctors. There seems to be disconnect and people don't understand that those things should be disclosed to their physicians. They think the doctors will lecture them and perhaps the doctor will but they still have to tell the doctor so the documentation is in the record for reasons that have nothing to do with effectiveness or their choice to take them. We can take whatever we want even if the doctor doesn't approved but we can't keep it a secret. Well, we can but we do so at our own peril.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

GenXmuse — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:29:51 GMT

It was new news to me. Thank you.

Re: FDA WARNS BIOTIN MAY INTERFERE WITH LAB RESULTS

Gram W — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:35:05 GMT

@chrystaltree. I agree. I have a 3x5 card in my purse listing everything I take and use. (Item, dose, usage,etc). At every appointment I pull it out and present it. It is a long list because I have lupus, arthritis, hypothyroidism,, fibromyalgia.and long time chronic lumbar and hip pain from an accident. I regularly ask if a medication is really needed. I am told yes. I worry about taking so much. So far I am told everything is doing well.

My pharmacist told me years ago to feel free to discuss my list with any pharmacist I felt comfortable with. I do about every 6 months. She seems to get warnings before doctors and also knows when generic drugs are approved. She gives me new information as she receives it and I discuss it on my next visit with the appropriate doctor. I have found doctors don't always know about newer generics but given the information they are willing to check it out for me. It has saved me money.

My list includes all over the counter products my doctor's recommend. I chose not to use non suggested products. I take/use to much now. I am 73. Spinal surgery is not recommended as long as I can walk. My surgeon and I decided to wait for new procedures to improve my odds of success. We did the cervical procedure needed and that was/is still a success.