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cyanocobalamin - nasal, Nascobal

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GENERIC NAME: CYANOCOBALAMIN - NASAL (SYE-an-oh-koe-BAL-a-min)

BRAND NAME(S): Nascobal

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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, pregnancy, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, cancer). Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Refer to the illustrated instructions provided by the manufacturer for directions on how to use this device. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the bottle if you are using it for the first time. The gel pump does not need to be primed after the first use. However, the spray pump must be primed with each use.Use this medication in the nose once weekly or as directed by your doctor. Hot food or drinks may produce mucus that can wash away this medication. Therefore, avoid hot food or drinks for 1 hour before or after using this medication.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase, decrease, or stop this medication without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, or runny nose 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, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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