Generic Name: cyanocobalamin (injection) (sye AN oh koe BAL a min)Brand Names: Cobolin-M, Cyomin, Depo-Cobolin, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B12
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cyanocobalamin injection:
any type of infection;
iron or folic acid deficiency;
kidney or liver disease; or
if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.The injection form is given as a shot into a muscle or under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested every 3 to 6 months. This will help your doctor determine the correct dose and how long to treat you with cyanocobalamin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
chest pain;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
unusual warmth, redness, or pain in an arm or leg.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, dizziness, weakness;
nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea;
numbness or tingling;
pain, swelling, redness, or irritation where the injection was given;
fever;
joint pain; or
itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
antibiotics;
methotrexate (Rheumatrex);
pyrimethamine (Daraprim);
colchicine; or
if you drank a lot of alcohol within the past 2 weeks.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cyanocobalamin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.