Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
cyanocobalamin (nasal)
cyanocobalamin (nasal)
What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin nasal?
What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin nasal?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease.
What is cyanocobalamin nasal?
What is cyanocobalamin nasal?
Cyanocobalamin nasal (for use in the nose) is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin nasal is usually given after treatment with an injection form of this medicine.
Cyanocobalamin nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cyanocobalamin nasal?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cyanocobalamin nasal?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease (an inherited form of vision loss). Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- eye problems or Leber's disease (in you or a family member); or
- an iron or folic acid deficiency.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing a baby.
Cyanocobalamin nasal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use cyanocobalamin nasal?
How should I use cyanocobalamin nasal?
Cyanocobalamin nasal is usually given once per week. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
You may need blood tests every 3 to 6 months, and your doctor may change your dose based on the results.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
Tell your doctor if you have sinus congestion. This medicine may not work as well if you have a stuffy nose.
For pernicious anemia, you may have to use cyanocobalamin for the rest of your life. Do not stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia or irreversible nerve damage.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. Folic acid alone will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency or prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all medications as directed.
Store in an upright position at room temperature. Protect from light and do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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 happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using cyanocobalamin nasal?
What should I avoid while using cyanocobalamin nasal?
Do not drink hot liquid or eat hot food within 1 hour before or 1 hour after you use cyanocobalamin nasal.
What are the possible side effects of cyanocobalamin nasal?
What are the possible side effects of cyanocobalamin nasal?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have :
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; or
- low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects may include:
- runny nose;
- cold or flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, sinus pain;
- headache;
- tingling in your hands or feet;
- weakness;
- nausea; or
- swelling in your tongue.
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 cyanocobalamin nasal?
What other drugs will affect cyanocobalamin nasal?
Other drugs may affect cyanocobalamin nasal, 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?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about cyanocobalamin nasal.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>