LA-12 (Intramuscular)

Cyanocobalamin injection is used to treat or prevent vitamin B12 deficiency caused by these conditions:

• Addisonian (pernicious) anemia
• Stomach or bowel problems
• Worm infestation
• Pancreas or bowel cancer
• Folic acid deficiency.

This medicine should only be given by your doctor or someone under their direct supervision.

It is very important for your doctor to check how you or your child is doing at regular appointments. This helps your doctor see if the medicine is working correctly. Blood tests and other lab tests may be needed to check for side effects.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has talked about them with you. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you must consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. This is a decision you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, please consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Normal daily needs for vitamin B12 vary depending on age.

Geriatric

There is no information available about how age affects the use of cyanocobalamin injection in older patients.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose, or take other precautions. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are based on their potential significance and may not be a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Chloramphenicol
• Omeprazole

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Allergy to cobalt—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. May increase the risk of more serious side effects.

• Megaloblastic anemia, severe—May increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Contact your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• bleeding from the gums or nose
• blue lips and fingernails
• chest pain
• cough
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• decreased urine output
• difficult, fast, noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness
• extreme fatigue
• eye pain
• fast heartbeat
• headache
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• increased sweating
• irregular breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• pale skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• ringing in the ears
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to suggest ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Diarrhea
• skin rash with a general disease

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Cobal
• LA-12
• Neuroforte-R
• Vita #12
• Vitabee 12

In Canada

• Bedoz

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Nutritive Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin B (class)

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

If you are using this medicine to treat vitamin B12 deficiency caused by pernicious anemia, you will need to use the medicine for the rest of your life.

Tell your doctor if you are on a vegetarian diet.