Cyanocobalamin

About cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of Vitamin B_12.

Vitamin B₁₂ is found in certain foods and is necessary for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

Lack of vitamin B₁₂ can result from a vegetarian/vegan diet or lack of intrinsic factor (a substance produced in the stomach which absorbs Vitamin B₁₂ from food).

Vitamin B₁₂ is prescribed for the following reasons: after surgical removal of part, or all of the stomach or intestine to ensure there are adequate levels of vitamin B₁₂ in the bloodstream (injection prescribed); to treat certain anaemias (injection prescribed); to perform the Schilling test to check your ability to absorb vitamin B₁₂ (injection prescribed); vitamin B₁₂ deficiency due to low intake from food (tablets or liquid prescribed).

Cyanocobalamin is available in tablet (50 micrograms), oral liquid (35 micrograms/5ml) and injection(1mg/ml) form.

It is also sometimes known as: Cytacon and Cytamen. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking cyanocobalamin

Before starting this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant
• if you suffer from toxic ambylopia (poor vision which may be due to Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take cyanocobalamin

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.

Getting the most from your treatment

• The daily requirement of vitamin B₁₂ is 2.4 micrograms for an adult. This amount is present in most normal diets.
• Vitamin B₁₂ is found in various foods, including meat, liver, fish, eggs, and milk.
• As vitamin B₁₂ is only found in animal products, vegan or strict vegetarian diets that exclude dairy products, may provide an inadequate amount.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You will probably find that your doctor will arrange for you to have regular blood tests.

Can cyanocobalamin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

fever (high temperature), chills, hot flushes, dizziness, feeling sick, acne-like rash, blisters, feeling unwell, itching, rash.

If you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store cyanocobalamin

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 08/03/2006