How does it work?

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the activities of several enzymes. It is essential for making the genetic material of cells and thus for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is particularly important in the formation of red blood cells. It is required for the utilisation of dietary folic acid and carbohydrates. It is also necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system. A normal diet usually provides sufficient vitamin B12. A strict vegetarian or vegan diet (lacking in eggs or dairy products) is likely to produce a deficiency. In this situation, supplements will be needed. The most common cause of viatmin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia where the absorption of the vitamin is impaired due the absence of "intrinsic factor". Supplements are also needed in certain bowel disorders such as coeliac disease and steatorrhoea, after surgery to the stomach or tapeworm infestation. Cyanocobalamin can be given as an intramuscular injection or by mouth, if absorption is not impaired.

What is it used for?

Reduced ability of the gut to absorb nutrients (malabsorption)

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Warning!

Do not take this medicine without confirmation of diagnosis (except in an extreme emergency).

Regular monitoring of blood potassium levels is recommended.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Fever (pyrexia)

Chills

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Hot flushes

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Acne

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Blood concentrations of cyanocobalamin may be lowered by oral contraceptives but this is unlikely to have clinical significance.

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