methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) oral/injection

What is the most important information I should know about methylcobalamin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for the brain and nerves, and for the production of red blood cells.

Methylcobalamin is sometimes used in people with pernicious anemia, diabetes, and other conditions.

Methylcobalamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using methylcobalamin?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Leber's disease or other form of optic nerve damage;
• an iron or folic acid deficiency; or
• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use methylcobalamin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Methylcobalamin oral is taken by mouth.

Methylcobalamin injection is injected into a muscle, usually 1 to 3 times per week. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Do not swallow a lozenge, disintegrating tablet, or sublingual tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. The sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue.

Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.

For more information you may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Reference Intakes (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking methylcobalamin?

What are the possible side effects of methylcobalamin?

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• loss of appetite; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect methylcobalamin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• chloramphenicol;
• colchicine
• antibiotic medicine;
• oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin; or
• medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Zantac, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methylcobalamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about methylcobalamin.