AREDS/AREDS 2 Supplements

What is this medication for?

AREDS/AREDS 2 supplements are made up of a number of ingredients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that is formulated to help with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a disease that slowly damages the retina (the light sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye) and can lead to loss of central vision or blindness as it worsens.  The AREDS formulation has been shown to reduce the chances of AMD getting worse. However, it does not prevent the onset of the disease.

The original AREDS formulation contains: 

• Vitamin C 500 mg
• Vitamin E 400 IU
• Copper 2 mg
• Zinc 80 mg
• Beta-Carotene 15 mg 

A later study showed that a newer formulation, known as AREDS 2, further reduced the risk of AMD. The formulation contains:

• Vitamin C 500 mg
• Vitamin E 400 IU
• Copper 2 mg
• Zinc 80 mg
• Lutein 10 mg
• Zeaxanthin 2 mg 

Most AREDS supplements on the market follow the newer AREDS 2 formulation. This is because beta-carotene in the original formula was found to increase the risk of lung cancer among smokers. This risk was removed by replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin in AREDS 2, which was found to be similarly or more effective in protecting against advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take this medication with a meal.     

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.  

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Do not use the original AREDS formulation if you are a smoker, or used to smoke. Choose AREDS 2 instead.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), which may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with Vitamin E in the formulation.
• You are taking cefalexin, tetracyclines or quinolones antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), which may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the antibiotic when taken together with Zinc in the formulation.
• You are taking any other supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

AREDS/AREDS 2 may cause mild side effects, including stomach discomfort.

• Taking the medication with meals may reduce the risk of side effects. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.