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Hydroxocobalamin

  • Hydroxocobalamin is used to treat a type of anaemia and some eye conditions.
  • It is only available as an injection.
  • Vitamin B12 is found in foods; for example liver, kidney, beef, pork, fish, egg yolk, milk and cheese. Increasing your intake of these foods could help with your condition.

About hydroxocobalamin

Type of medicine Vitamin
Used for Deficiency of vitamin B12 caused by lack of absorption from the gut
Hydroxocobalamin is also used for some types of eye condition
Also called Vitamin B12; Cobalin-H; Neo-Cytamen
Available as Injection

Hydroxocobalamin is a type of vitamin (vitamin B12) and works by adding to that you get from food. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of red blood cells; they carry oxygen around the body. The level of vitamin B12 in your body is reduced if the gut does not absorb it properly or you have had an operation to remove part of your stomach or bowel. When vitamin B12 levels get low it can cause a type of anaemia.
Hydroxocobalamin may sometimes be used to treat certain eye conditions.
Before taking hydromorphone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How your hydroxocobalamin is usually given

  • Your doctor or nurse will usually give you the treatment because it is only available as an injection.
  • If you need it for a long time you may be taught how to give it yourself.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Vitamin B12 is found in foods; for example liver, kidney, beef, pork, fish, egg yolk, milk and cheese.
  • Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products so vegan or strict vegetarian diets that do not include dairy products, may not provide enough.

Can hydroxocobalamin 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.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Nausea It usually passes after a few days; as you adjust to the medicine.
Headache Take a suitable pain-killer. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend one.
Dizziness Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other tasks that may be dangerous if you are affected.
Fever Use a cold/wet flannel applied to the forehead.
Rash and pruritus If this becomes a problem speak to your doctor.
Pain at the injection site Ask your doctor or nurse if they will use a different place to inject next time.

How to store hydroxocobalamin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of you local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
613		 DocRef:
dils3310		 Last Updated:
24 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
23 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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