What is this medicine?
CYANOCOBALAMIN (sye an oh koe BAL a min) is a man made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential in the development of healthy blood cells, nerve cells, and proteins in the body. It also helps with the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is added to a healthy diet to prevent or treat low vitamin B-12 levels.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Cyanocobalamin 1000MCG/ML Solution | AMERICAN REGENT | 30/$19.99 or 90/$45.98 |
| Cyanocobalamin 1000MCG/ML Solution | AMERICAN REGENT | 25/$35.99 or 75/$89.97 |
| Cyanocobalamin 1000MCG/ML Solution | AMERICAN REGENT | 10/$13.99 or 20/$18.98 |
| Nascobal 500MCG/0.1ML Gel | QUESTCOR | 2/$146.96 or 6/$429.94 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- chest pain, tightness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Do not chew, cut, or crush this medicine. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- alcohol
- aminosalicylic acid
- colchicine
- medicines that suppress your bone marrow like chemotherapy, chloramphenicol
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to vitamin B12, cobalt, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- No contraindications when used for treatment of cyanide poisoning.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Follow a healthy diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have vitamin B-12 naturally are fish, seafood, egg yolk, milk and fermented cheese.
Too much of this vitamin can be unsafe. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about how much is right for you.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- anemia
- kidney disease
- Leber's disease
- malabsorption disorder
- an unusual or allergic reaction to cyanocobalamin, cobalt, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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