cyanocobalamin - oral, Mega B-12, Vitamin B-12
GENERIC NAME: CYANOCOBALAMIN - ORAL (SYE-an-oh-koe-BAL-a-min)
BRAND NAME(S): Mega B-12, Vitamin B-12
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: See also Precautions section.Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to prevent and treat low blood levels of this vitamin. Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. Vitamin B12 is important to maintain the health of your metabolism, blood cells, and nerves. Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in a low number of red blood cells (anemia), stomach/intestine problems, and permanent nerve damage.Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur in certain health conditions (such as intestinal/stomach problems, poor nutrition, cancer, HIV infection, pregnancy, old age, alcoholism). It may also occur in people who follow a strict vegetarian (vegan) diet.
HOW TO USE: If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, take as directed by your doctor.Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and laboratory tests. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.There are many brands and forms of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) may be different between products.If you are taking a sustained-release product, swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can decrease the amount of vitamin B12 you absorb. Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C within one hour before or after taking this product.If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: This product usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.If you have severe anemia, this medication may rarely cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia) as your body makes new red blood cells. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
|
Back to Medications Index
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the