Boron

What is it?
Boron is a trace mineral that is used as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis. It may also improve your thinking and alertness and build muscle mass. There are, however, no human studies to support these possible uses. Boric acid is also used as an antiseptic on wounds, eye problems, and cold sores.

Other names for Boron include: Borate and Sodium perborate tetrahydrate.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Boron you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Boron. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Boron, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Taking too much Boron (over 500 milligrams daily) or taking it for too long may cause nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), and diarrhea (1)

References:
1. Murray, MT: Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA; 1996.
2. Travers RL & Rennie GC & Newnham RE: Boron and arthritis: The Results of a double blind pilot study. J Nutr Med 1990; 1: 127-132.
3. Newnham RE: Arthritis or skeletal fluorosis and boron. Int Clin Nutr Rev 1991;11: 68-70.
4. Neilsen FH, Hunt CE, Mullen LM & Hunt JR: Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASED J 1987;1:394-397.
5. Nielsen FH, Gallagher SK, Johnson LK & Nielsen EJ: Boron enhances and mimics some of the effects of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. J Trace Elem Exp Med 1992; 5:237-246.