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Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Most people get enough vitamin B12 in their diet, but a deficiency may occur in certain health conditions (e.g., poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, cancer). Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Ed-B12
Uses
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Most people get enough vitamin B12 in their diet, but a deficiency may occur in certain health conditions (e.g., poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, cancer). Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., serum potassium levels, complete blood count, hematocrit, vitamin B12 levels) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This product is not a substitute for a proper diet.
- Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods.
- Vitamin B12 is commonly found in many foods from animals, especially liver, kidney, fish and shellfish, meat, and dairy foods.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Injections may be given daily when you first start treatment.
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., pernicious anemia) may require you to continue receiving injections every month.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
- Pain/redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This medication may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia).
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.People who have a rare blood disorder (polycythemia vera) may infrequently have symptoms related to this disorder while taking cyanocobalamin.
- Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious symptoms occur: chest pain (especially with shortness of breath), weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, swelling (especially of face/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cobalt; or if you have any other allergies.
- Your doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test dose before starting your regular dose.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia), gout, a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), a certain eye disease (Leber's disease), other vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially folic acid and iron).This product may contain aluminum, which can infrequently build up to dangerous levels in the body.
- The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in newborns or in people with kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.A preservative (benzyl alcohol) that might be found in this product can infrequently cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems if given in large amounts (more than 100 milligrams per kilogram daily) to an infant during the first months of life.
- The risk is also greater with low-birth-weight infants.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or very slow heartbeat.
- If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, report them to the doctor immediately.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating newborns.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may affect blood cell production (e.g., chloramphenicol, anti-cancer drugs, HIV drugs), other vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially folic acid).Certain other drugs may interfere with laboratory tests for vitamin B12 levels, possibly causing false test results.
- Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors if you take any of the following: anti-infective drugs (e.g., amoxicillin, erythromycin), methotrexate, pyrimethamine.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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