BO-SE

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BO-SE

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of BO-SE

Property Description
Active Ingredients Sodium Selenite (Selenium) and alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Form Sterile Injectable Solution (Aqueous Emulsion)
Pharmacological Class Nutritional Supplement; Antioxidant Combination
General Purpose Correcting Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency (STD)
Administration Route Parenteral (Subcutaneous or Intramuscular)

What Type of Medicine is BO-SE? (Identity and Classification)

BO-SE is a proprietary veterinary pharmaceutical preparation defined as an Injectable Nutritional Supplement and Antioxidant Combination. Its administration is legally restricted to prescription-only use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, with its application governed by Federal regulations. This specialized product, manufactured by Merck Animal Health, is distinctly formulated for livestock and not for human use.

The product is classified as a dual-component support system, combining a Trace Element Supplement with a Fat-Soluble Vitamin. It is presented as a sterile aqueous emulsion for delivery via the parenteral route (subcutaneous or intramuscular injection). This formulation is necessary for prompt delivery, ensuring the components bypass variable gastrointestinal absorption rates.

What is BO-SE Made Of? (Active Composition and Origin)

The identity of BO-SE relies on the synergy of its two active constituents: the inorganic salt Sodium Selenite, which supplies the essential trace element Selenium, and d-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, providing the essential fat-soluble vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol). The preparation is explicitly a combination product because its therapeutic effectiveness requires the simultaneous presence of both nutrients at the cellular level.

While the compounds are chemically stabilized for injection, they originate from the category of essential micronutrients necessary for biological maintenance. Vitamin E is widely recognized for its function as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. The active agents are suspended in a neutral, aqueous emulsion base, ensuring suitability for sterile injection.

What is the General Purpose of Selenium and Vitamin E Injections? (High-Level Benefit)

The overarching general purpose of the Selenium and Vitamin E combination injection is the rapid correction of the joint nutritional deficit known as Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency (STD). This treatment is aimed at restoring the body's integrated antioxidant capacity and metabolic functions.

Selenium and Vitamin E function together to protect cells from oxidative stress. The general benefit is maintaining the structural and functional integrity of tissues, thereby counteracting the physiological damage linked to the deficiency of these two essential protective micronutrients in the target species.

Regulatory References

  1. BO-SE Injection Label (DailyMed)

What side effects are possible with BO-SE?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety characteristics of BO-SE are described in regulatory documents based on the known risks associated with its active components, Sodium Selenite (Selenium) and alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E). The medicine's risk profile includes both local and systemic adverse reactions.

Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions listed in the official labeling range from localized events to immediate, severe systemic responses.

Category Documented Effects
Local Reactions Tissue irritation and swelling at the injection site.
Serious Reactions Immediate systemic shock, anaphylactoid reactions, and reported deaths associated with adverse reactions.

Standard frequency classifications, such as 'common' or 'rare,' are not specified in the current official regulatory labeling for this product.

High-Level Safety Constraints

The most critical safety consideration is the potential for toxicity due to overdosage of the trace element Selenium, which possesses a narrow margin between effective and harmful doses. This product is strictly for Veterinary Use Only and is not for human use.

For administration in swine, a critical safety restriction requires the injection to be given by the subcutaneous route. This is mandated to mitigate the elevated risk of systemic toxicity associated with the alternative intramuscular route, which defines a key safety limitation of the product. The administration is legally restricted to a prescription-only basis under veterinary supervision.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for BO-SE is primarily defined by the acute toxicity risk associated with its component, Sodium Selenite (Selenium). Toxicity is documented when the element is administered in excess or through improper administration, resulting in life-threatening outcomes.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute toxic events are officially linked to specific clinical manifestations affecting the central nervous, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems. Documented signs include excitement, sweating, trembling, ataxia (loss of bodily control), and severe depression. More serious manifestations include cardiac dysfunction, acute respiratory distress, and frothing from the nose and mouth, with fatal outcomes reported in official warnings.

Emergency Response and Management

Accidental ingestion of a large amount of the sodium selenite component is classified as a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical treatment. The severity of selenium toxicosis dictates that there is no specific antidote known for treatment. Management is strictly limited to providing symptomatic and supportive care. This may involve monitoring physiological indicators like serum selenium levels, SGOT, and Creatine levels. The regulatory label also notes population-specific risks, such as a contraindication in pregnant ewes due to reported deaths and abortions.

Therapeutic Uses of BO-SE

BO-SE is a prescription veterinary medication indicated for use in calves, lambs, and ewes. It is used for the prevention and treatment of a condition known as white muscle disease, which is associated with Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency syndrome.

Furthermore, this medication serves as an aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases linked to Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency in sows and weanling pigs. These associated conditions may include hepatic necrosis and mulberry heart disease. The use of this product is recommended where a deficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E has been identified.

Appropriate use is typically determined by a licensed veterinarian.


Quick Facts: What BO-SE Treats

  • May help resolve white muscle disease syndrome in calves, lambs, and ewes.
  • Is an option for the prevention of conditions associated with Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency in sows and weanling pigs.
  • Provides support against diseases such as hepatic necrosis and mulberry heart disease in deficient swine.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA therapeutic overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility for BO-SE (Selenium and Vitamin E)

BO-SE is an injectable veterinary drug, and its use is strictly governed by regulatory guidelines pertaining to animal species, age, and physiological state. Federal law restricts the use of this drug to be by, or on the order of, a licensed veterinarian.

Populations for Whom Use is Allowed (Eligible):

Category Eligible Populations
Species/Age Calves, Sows, Weanling Pigs
Lambs (2 weeks of age and older)
Physiological Ewes (Non-pregnant)

Populations for Whom Use is Prohibited or Restricted:

Classification Restricted Population/State
Contraindicated Pregnant Ewes (Associated with reported deaths and abortions)
Prohibited Use Newborn Pigs
Legal Restriction Use without a licensed veterinarian's order

Use of this product must also cease before animals are processed for human consumption. A mandatory withdrawal period of 30 days is required for treated calves, and 14 days for lambs, ewes, sows, and pigs, as defined by the official labeling. The selenium component requires careful dosing, as administration in excess can lead to toxicity.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory documentation for the injectable veterinary product BO-SE, which contains Sodium Selenite and alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, primarily defines the product’s administration, safety profile, and toxicology. A comprehensive review of authoritative government sources, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory labeling, confirms the specific scope of the official interaction profile.

The government-approved product information does not currently contain a dedicated section detailing formal pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions with other medicinal products. Consequently, the official label does not explicitly list any substances or drug classes that are formally classified as contraindicated combinations with BO-SE. This absence of specific interaction statements is characteristic of the product's regulatory data.

Furthermore, the official regulatory profile is silent regarding several key categories of interaction information. There are no documented statements concerning specific metabolic interactions, such as those mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, nor are there any listed warnings for transporter-based interactions, such as those involving P-glycoprotein. This lack of information extends to formal pharmacodynamic effects.

The label also does not mandate any specific timing rules or dose separation requirements for the co-administration of BO-SE with other substances. Additionally, no explicit restrictions are documented regarding interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal supplements within the official regulatory documentation. The structure of the product's interaction profile is therefore defined by the absence of formally specified co-administration constraints in the regulatory text.

Mechanism of Action

Coordinated Dual-Phase Cellular Antioxidant Mechanism

The two active components function in a coordinated, two-phase system targeting reactive oxygen species ( ROS) in two cellular environments. alpha-Tocopherol acts in the lipid phase (cell membranes) as a chain-breaking antioxidant to prevent the damaging chain reaction of lipid peroxidation, while Sodium Selenite supplies the essential cofactor for Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) to clear hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous phase (cytosol). This coordinated ROS neutralization mechanism results in the preservation of the structural integrity of vulnerable high-metabolism cells, particularly muscle fibers.

Synergistic Influence on Cellular Redox Balance

The mechanism relies on a synergy where the Selenium-dependent GPx system clears the peroxide load, which spares and indirectly facilitates the regeneration of membrane-bound alpha-Tocopherol. Selenium also functions as a cofactor for Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR), influencing cellular redox balance. By restoring the function of these fundamental detoxifying enzymes, the mechanism modulates metabolic pathways, contributing to the maintenance of muscle and immune cell structure.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use BO-SE: Official Administration Guidelines

BO-SE is a prescription injectable veterinary product whose proper use is strictly defined by weight-based dosing and specific administration protocols.

Administration Route and Preparation

BO-SE is administered via the parenteral route, specifically through either a Subcutaneous (SQ) or Intramuscular (IM) injection. The product is a sterile emulsion provided ready for injection, meaning no pre-administration dilution or mixing is required.

Labeled Dosing Regimens

The required dose is determined by the veterinarian based on the species and body weight of the animal, as the product contains 1 mg/mL Selenium and 50 mg/mL Vitamin E. Official dosing instructions are as follows:

Species Dose (Based on Body Weight)
Calves 2.5 mL to 3.75 mL per 100 lbs
Ewes 2.5 mL per 100 lbs
Lambs (2 weeks of age and older) 1 mL per 40 lbs (Minimum 1 mL)
Sows 1 mL per 40 lbs
Weanling Pigs 1 mL per 40 lbs (Minimum 1 mL)

Timing and Administration Constraints

The usage instructions include specific timing and population rules. For sows, the product is directed for injection during the last week of pregnancy. BO-SE is officially indicated only for lambs 2 weeks of age and older and is explicitly not for use in newborn pigs. Furthermore, strict handling protocols must be followed: the contents of the multi-dose vial must be used within 90 days of the first puncture, and the vial itself should not be punctured more than 12 times.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence: Overview of Studies for BO-SE

Evidence for Use in White Muscle Disease (WMD) Syndrome

Research on the Sodium Selenite and Vitamin E combination has primarily focused on the deficiency that was associated with White Muscle Disease (WMD) syndrome. The evidence base includes foundational investigative studies that explored the deficiency, alongside clinical reports and field studies used in research exploring how symptoms change over time. These studies were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity in young animals like calves and lambs, and in breeding stock (ewes).

Studies monitored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance. Specifically, research examined key biomarkers, highlighting changes measured during the study period, such as the restoration of normal Selenium and Vitamin E levels in the blood. Research also describes patterns related to changes in observable physical discomfort, such as lameness or stiffness, which was studied for WMD. Comparative evidence is lacking, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes following the acute treatment phase. The evidence quality varies across studies, and results apply only to the populations studied.

Evidence for Use in Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency-Related Swine Diseases

The combination product was studied for conditions associated with functional limitations linked to Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency in swine, specifically hepatic necrosis and mulberry heart disease. Studies explored short-term symptom changes in weanling pigs and were also applied in research contexts involving pregnant sows, where the focus was studied for the preventative aspect for their offspring.

Data show patterns related to observations of pathological tissue changes in the liver and heart of animals that was monitored in the studies. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, providing context but not individual predictions regarding the incidence of these deficiency-related conditions. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, and findings were mixed across the complex of conditions associated with this deficiency syndrome.

What Remains Undocumented or Unclear in the Research

Research contributes to the broader evidence landscape, but certainty remains low regarding certain aspects of the product’s application. Comparative evidence is lacking, and the research primarily consists of investigative studies and observational settings evaluating daily-life functioning in herds rather than modern, large-scale randomized controlled trials. Evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain; specifically, follow-up durations were limited, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. BO-SE (Sodium Selenite and Vitamin E) Injectable Solution - DailyMed Label and Product Information
  2. FDA Therapeutic Overview: Sodium Selenite and Vitamin E Injectable Solution
  3. Protective effects of selenium and vitamin E combination against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by T-2 toxin in mice liver

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about BO-SE (FAQ)

Q: What is the main purpose of BO-SE injection?

According to the official product information, the main purpose of BO-SE is indicated for the prevention and treatment of White Muscle Disease (Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency) syndrome. It is indicated for use in calves, lambs, and ewes for this condition.

Q: What specific conditions is BO-SE recommended to prevent and treat?

BO-SE is specifically recommended for conditions associated with Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency. For sows and weanling pigs, official documents indicate it is an aid in preventing and treating associated diseases such as hepatic necrosis, mulberry heart disease, and white muscle disease.

Q: Which animal species is BO-SE specifically indicated for use in?

Official documents indicate the product is specifically for use in calves, lambs, ewes, sows, and weanling pigs.

Q: What is Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency, which BO-SE is designed to address?

The official pharmacology section describes this deficiency syndrome as the target condition. Selenium and Vitamin E (tocopherol) are the active ingredients that work to help restore normal cell metabolism that has been depleted.

Q: How is BO-SE officially described as being different from oral selenium supplements?

The product is an injection, which regulatory documents describe as bypassing the digestive process. This allows the ingredients to exert their full metabolic effects promptly on cell metabolism, unlike oral ingestion which can be affected by interference from sulfur and other digestive factors.

Q: Does BO-SE treat White Muscle Disease or is its role purely preventative?

Official indications state that the product is recommended for both the prevention and the treatment of White Muscle Disease (Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency) syndrome.

Q: Is BO-SE classified as a vitamin supplement or a prescription drug according to regulatory sources?

The product is explicitly restricted by Federal law as a prescription drug. Its use is restricted to being by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Q: What does official documentation say about the use of BO-SE in species not listed on the label?

The official label contains an important caution to use only the selenium-tocopherol product recommended for each species. This is because each specific formulation is designed for the indicated species to maximize efficacy and safety.

Q: What is the required slaughter withdrawal period for calves treated with BO-SE?

Regulatory warnings specify that use should be discontinued 30 days before treated calves are slaughtered for human consumption.

Q: What is the residue warning period for ewes, sows, and pigs after using BO-SE?

Regulatory warnings specify that use should be discontinued 14 days before treated lambs, ewes, sows, and pigs are slaughtered for human consumption.

Q: Why is a veterinary prescription legally required for BO-SE?

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. This restriction is based on the Federal law classification and required professional oversight for the proper, safe administration of the product.

Q: What are the key safety warnings listed on the BO-SE product information sheet?

Warnings include the risk of anaphylactoid reactions and the potential for toxicity if the preparation is improperly administered. The product is also officially contraindicated, meaning it should not be used, in pregnant ewes.

Q: Is it correct that official documents state BO-SE should not be administered to pregnant ewes?

Yes, official documents state to NOT USE IN PREGNANT EWES. Official documents include a note that deaths and abortions have been reported in pregnant ewes injected with this specific product.

Q: What kind of adverse reactions have been reported in animals after receiving BO-SE?

Reported adverse reactions listed in the official documents include acute respiratory distress, frothing from the nose and mouth, bloating, and severe depression. The product label also notes deaths and abortions in pregnant ewes have been reported.

Q: What are the described signs of a possible anaphylactoid reaction related to BO-SE warnings?

The official warnings list signs associated with reported anaphylactoid reactions, such as excitement, sweating, trembling, ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements), respiratory distress, and cardiac dysfunction.

Q: Does the administration of BO-SE have a specific shelf life or storage requirement?

The official storage instructions state the product is to be stored at 25 C (77 F) with specific temperature excursions permitted. Official instructions specify that use should occur within 90 days of the first time the vial is punctured.

Q: What is the role of Vitamin E (tocopherol) in the BO-SE formulation, according to pharmacology?

According to the official pharmacology section, tocopherol (Vitamin E) is described as having a significant role in the oxidation process. This suggests an interrelationship with selenium in helping to restore normal cell metabolism.

Q: How is BO-SE supplied (e.g., bottle size, type of solution)?

The product is supplied as a 100 mL sterile, multiple-dose vial. It is provided ready for injection in a sterile emulsion form.

Q: Are there any specific conditions or populations that BO-SE is officially contraindicated for?

Yes, the product is officially contraindicated, meaning it should not be used, for pregnant ewes.

Q: What does the product label say about the risk of selenium toxicity from using BO-SE?

The official precautions note that selenium is toxic if administered in excess. This is the reason why regulatory documents emphasize the importance of following a fixed dose schedule.

Q: Why do official documents emphasize that a fixed dose schedule is important for selenium products?

The fixed dose schedule is emphasized because official precautions state that selenium is toxic if administered in excess.

Q: Does the label contain a high-level explanation of how BO-SE works on cell metabolism?

Yes, the label explains that when injected, the ingredients bypass the digestive process and quickly exert their full metabolic effects on cell metabolism.

Q: What are the clinical signs of White Muscle Disease that BO-SE is intended to address?

Clinical signs listed in the indications section include stiffness and lameness, diarrhea and unthriftiness (failure to thrive), and pulmonary distress and/or cardiac arrest.

Q: Does the package insert describe the use of serum levels (like SGOT) as aids in diagnosing STD?

The package insert notes that serum selenium levels, elevated SGOT, and creatine levels may serve as aids in arriving at a diagnosis of Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency (STD), when associated with other indices.

Q: Is there research evidence supporting the use of BO-SE for prevention purposes in susceptible herds/flocks?

Yes, the official indications explicitly recommend BO-SE for the prevention and treatment of White Muscle Disease syndrome.

Q: What is 'mulberry heart disease,' which BO-SE is mentioned to help prevent in pigs?

Mulberry heart disease is mentioned in the official indications as a disease associated with Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency in sows and weanling pigs. BO-SE is indicated as an aid in its prevention and treatment.

Q: Is it true that BO-SE use is often recommended in regions with known selenium deficiencies?

The regulatory precautions imply the product is used in such areas by noting that 'even in selenium deficient areas,' other disease conditions can produce similar clinical signs.

Q: Does the BO-SE formulation contain any preservatives, and if so, what is listed?

Yes, the official description lists 2% benzyl alcohol as a preservative within the formulation.

Q: Are there official recommendations for injecting a sow during the last week of pregnancy?

The label advises, from a prevention and control standpoint, to inject the sow during the last week of pregnancy where known deficiencies of selenium and/or vitamin E exist.

Q: Does the official labeling address why oral ingestion of selenium might be less effective than injection?

Yes, the pharmacology section explains that the presence of sulfur and possibly other factors during the digestive process can interfere with the proper utilization of orally ingested selenium and tocopherol.

Q: What is the maximum and minimum temperature recommended for storing BO-SE?

The official storage instructions state the product is to be stored at 25 C (77 F) with allowed excursions between 23 - 32 C (74 - 89 F).

Q: Are there any visual cues, like phase separation or turbidity, that indicate BO-SE should not be used?

Yes, the label advises users not to use the product if it has exhibited phase separation or turbidity (cloudiness).

Q: What is the specific chemical form of selenium used in the injection?

The official product description specifies that the selenium component used in the injection is sodium selenite.

Q: Are there any general precautions mentioned about considering other disease conditions before treating with BO-SE?

Yes, a precaution notes that other disease conditions produce similar clinical signs to the deficiency syndrome. All these conditions should be carefully considered prior to treatment.

Q: What is the significance of the term 'Rx only' on the BO-SE packaging?

The 'Rx only' designation means that Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. It signifies the need for professional oversight.

Q: What does the label state about the need to use the product recommended for each species?

The label explicitly states: 'Use only the selenium-tocopherol product recommended for each species.' This is due to formulations being species-specific to maximize efficacy and safety.

Q: Does the formulation of BO-SE contain any polysorbates or stabilizers?

Yes, the official description lists 250 mg of polysorbate 80 per mL in the formulation.

Q: How quickly after injection is BO-SE said to exert its full metabolic effects?

The official pharmacology section indicates that when injected, the ingredients bypass the digestive process and quickly exert their full metabolic effects on cell metabolism.

Q: Why is hepatic necrosis associated with Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency in pigs?

Hepatic necrosis (death of liver cells) is listed in the official indications as one of the diseases associated with the deficiency in sows and weanling pigs. BO-SE is indicated as an aid in its prevention and treatment.

Q: Is BO-SE indicated for use in newborn pigs?

The product label explicitly states that BO-SE is not for use in newborn pigs.

Q: Are there geographical area considerations mentioned in the dosing instructions for BO-SE?

Yes, the official dosing section for calves mentions that the required dose may depend on the severity of the condition and the geographical area.

Q: What other clinical signs of STD are listed besides stiffness and lameness?

The indications section also lists clinical signs such as diarrhea, unthriftiness (failure to thrive), and pulmonary distress and/or cardiac arrest.

Q: What are the documented adverse reactions related to depression or cardiac dysfunction?

Severe depression and cardiac dysfunction are listed as signs associated with reported adverse reactions, including anaphylactoid reactions.

Q: Is there a specific NDC number associated with the BO-SE 100 mL vial?

Yes, the official 'How Supplied' section lists the 100 mL sterile, multiple-dose vial as being associated with NDC 0061-0807-05.

Q: What is the role of sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid in the formula?

The official description states that sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust the pH of the solution.

Q: What does 'FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY' officially signify for BO-SE buyers?

The label states this product is 'FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY.' This signifies that the drug is manufactured and legally restricted solely for use in animals.

Q: Does the product information mention any anti-inflammatory action of the ingredients?

Yes, the pharmacology section mentions that anti-inflammatory action has been demonstrated by selenium-tocopherol in certain non-clinical studies in rats.

Q: Is the term 'unthriftiness' a clinical sign of the deficiency BO-SE addresses?

Yes, unthriftiness (failure to thrive) is listed in the official indications as one of the clinical signs of White Muscle Disease (Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency).

Q: How does BO-SE help with the signs of pulmonary distress in affected animals?

Pulmonary distress is listed as a clinical sign of the deficiency, and the product is indicated to aid in prevention/treatment by helping to restore normal cell metabolism through the injected selenium and vitamin E.

How should BO-SE be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storage and disposal must strictly adhere to the conditions specified on the official product labeling to maintain the stability of the sterile injectable solution.

Condition Requirement (Official Labeling)
Storage Temperature Store at 25 C (77 F); excursions permitted between 23 C and 32 C (74 F and 89 F).
Post-Puncture Stability Use within 90 days of the first puncture of the vial, with a maximum of 12 punctures.
Container Integrity The entire remaining product must be discarded immediately if accessed with a needle bore larger than 16G or a draw-off spike.
Product Inspection Do not use if phase separation or turbidity is observed.
Disposal Disposal should follow authorized collection or FDA-compliant household mixing procedures. Due to the composition, release to the environment must be avoided.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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