What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin injection?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have
Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly
blindness) in
people with Leber's disease.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular
basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve
damage in your spinal cord.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells.
However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage
to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you become
pregnant, if you
breast-feed, or if you eat
a
vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
What is cyanocobalamin injection?
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for
growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia
and other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cyanocobalamin injection?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have
Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in
people with Leber's disease.
Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use cyanocobalamin injection.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication can harm an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether
cyanocobalamin could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use cyanocobalamin injection?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat
a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
The injection form is given as a shot into a muscle or under the skin. Your doctor, nurse,
or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your
medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the
injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this
container out of the reach of children and pets.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
every 3 to 6 months. This will help your doctor determine the correct dose and how long to treat
you with cyanocobalamin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular
basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve
damage in your spinal cord.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells.
However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage
to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep
the nasal gel in the prescription vial when not in use. Store the nasal spray upright.
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