Cyanocobalamin Injection

Cyanocobalamin injection is used to treat and prevent a lack of vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> that may be caused by any of the following: pernicious anemia (lack of a natural substance needed to absorb vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> from the intestine); certain diseases, infections, or medications that decrease the amount of vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> absorbed from food; or a vegan diet (strict vegetarian diet that does not allow any animal products, including dairy products and eggs). Lack of vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> may cause anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to the organs) and permanent damage to the nerves. Cyanocobalamin injection also may be given as a test to see how well the body can absorb vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span>. Cyanocobalamin injection is in a class of medications called vitamins. Because it is injected straight into the bloodstream, it can be used to supply vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> to people who cannot absorb this vitamin through the intestine.

Cyanocobalamin comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a muscle or just under the skin. It is usually injected by a healthcare provider in an office or clinic. You will probably receive cyanocobalamin injection once a day for the first 6-7 days of your treatment. As your red blood cells return to normal, you will probably receive the medication every other day for 2 weeks, and then every 3-4 days for 2-3 weeks. After your anemia has been treated, you will probably receive the medication once a month to prevent your symptoms from coming back. Cyanocobalamin injection will supply you with enough vitamin B<span class='sub'>12</span> only as long as you receive injections regularly. You may receive cyanocobalamin injections every month for the rest of your life. Keep all appointments to receive cyanocobalamin injections even if you feel well. If you stop receiving cyanocobalamin injections, your anemia may return and your nerves may be damaged.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Cyanocobalamin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

<ul>
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diarrhea</li>
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feeling as if your entire body as swollen</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

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muscle weakness, cramps, or pain</li>
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leg pain</li>
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extreme thirst</li>
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frequent urination</li>
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confusion</li>
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shortness of breath, especially when you exercise or lie down</li>
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coughing or wheezing</li>
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fast heartbeat</li>
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extreme tiredness</li>
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swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs </li>
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pain, warmth, redness, swelling or tenderness in one leg </li>
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headache</li>
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dizziness</li>
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red skin color, especially on the face</li>
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hives</li>
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rash</li>
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itching</li>
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difficulty breathing or swallowing</li></ul>Cyanocobalamin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before using cyanocobalamin injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin injection, nasal gel, or tablets; hydroxocobalamin; multi-vitamins; any other medications or vitamins; or cobalt. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antibiotics such as chloramphenicol; colchicine; folic acid; methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); para-aminosalicylic acid (Paser); and pyrimethamine (Daraprim). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (slow, painless loss of vision, first in one eye and then in the other) or kidney disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.