Cyanocobalamin (injection)

Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.

Cyanocobalamin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cyanocobalamin (injection) is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medicine by yourself.

Your dose may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Inform your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.

Always follow directions on the medicine label regarding giving cyanocobalamin to a child. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.

For pernicious anemia, you may need to use cyanocobalamin for the rest of your life. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia or irreversible nerve damage.

Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. Folic acid alone will not treat vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all medications as directed.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Cyanocobalamin can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using cyanocobalamin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

You should not use cyanocobalamin if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease (an inherited form of vision loss). Cyanocobalamin can cause optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eye problems or Leber's disease (in you or a family member);
• kidney or liver disease;
• iron or folic acid deficiency;
• any type of infection; or
• if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cyanocobalamin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• fluid build-up in or around the lungs--pain when you breathe, feeling short of breath while lying down, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, cold and clammy skin, anxiety, rapid heartbeats; or
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or a limp feeling.

Common side effects of cyanocobalamin may include:

• diarrhea; or
• swelling anywhere in your body.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Pernicious Anemia:

Initial dose: 100 mcg intramuscularly or deep subcutaneous once a day for 6 to 7 daysIf clinical improvement and reticulocyte response is seen from the above dosing:-100 mcg every other day for 7 doses, then:-100 mcg every 3 to 4 days for 2 to 3 weeks, then:Maintenance dose: 100 to 1000 mcg monthlyDuration of therapy: LifeComments:-Administer concomitant folic acid if needed.-Chronic treatment should be done with an oral preparation in patients with normal intestinal absorption.

Usual Adult Dose for B12 Nutritional Deficiency:

25 to 2000 mcg orally daily

Usual Adult Dose for Schilling Test:

1000 mcg intramuscularly is the flushing dose

Usual Pediatric Dose for B12 Nutritional Deficiency:

0.5 to 3 mcg daily

Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose.

Make sure to get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medicine.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with cyanocobalamin.

Other drugs may affect cyanocobalamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.