cyanocobalamin (oral)

What is the most important information I should know about oral cyanocobalamin?

What is oral cyanocobalamin?

Cyanocobalamin is a 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 or other conditions such as folic acid deficiency, pregnancy, thyroid problems, stomach and intestinal disorders, bleeding, liver or kidney disease, parasite infection, or cancer.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral cyanocobalamin?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• low levels of calcium or potassium in your blood;
• heart disease;
• a stroke;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• diabetes;
• an iron or folic acid deficiency;
• kidney disease; or
• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

How should I take oral cyanocobalamin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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.

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

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.

To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use cyanocobalamin on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.

You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with cyanocobalamin. Using certain other medicines while taking cyanocobalamin may affect the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking oral cyanocobalamin?

What are the possible side effects of oral cyanocobalamin?

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• extreme tiredness;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• pale skin, blue lips or fingernails;
• eye pain, vision problems;
• headache, ringing in your ears;
• chest pain or tightness, fasts heartbeats;
• cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
• trouble swallowing;
• little or no urination;
• heart problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• signs of a blood clot in an arm or leg --pain, numbness, coldness, warmth, or pale appearance.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea; or
• rash.

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 oral cyanocobalamin?

Other drugs may affect cyanocobalamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about oral cyanocobalamin.