What is cyanocobalamin nasal?
Cyanocobalamin nasal is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is
important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Cyanocobalamin nasal is used to maintain vitamin B12 levels in patients with
pernicious anemia, nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency, malabsorption of vitamin B12, and
other cases of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Cyanocobalamin nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyanocobalamin nasal?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have Leber's disease.
Cyanocobalamin nasal may lead to optic nerve damage and possibly blindness when used
by people with this condition.
When using the nasal spray, tell your doctor if you develop nasal congestion, a
cold, or allergies. The nasal spray may not work as well if you are congested.
Cyanocobalamin nasal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it
is not known whether cyanocobalamin nasal will harm an unborn baby. Vitamin B12 is
important to the proper development of a baby. Talk to your doctor about using this
medication if you are pregnant.
Cyanocobalamin nasal passes into breast milk. Vitamin B12 is necessary for
both mother and child during breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about using this
medication during breast-feeding.
How should I take cyanocobalamin nasal?
Use cyanocobalamin nasal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
To use the nasal gel:
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Gently blow your nose to clear any mucous.
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Uncap the pump. Prime the unit (on first use and after
48 hours without use) by pumping it seven to eight times until a gel droplet appears at
the tip. Then prime the unit with an additional two sprays.
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Insert the tip about 1 centimeter (one-third inch) into
your nostril, pointing it towards the back of the nose.
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Block your other nostril and tilt your head forward.
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Pump and sniff gently at the same time.
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Remove the pump from your nose. Rub your nostril
gently for a few seconds.
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Clean the pump nozzle with a tissue and recap.
Use only one dose in one nostril unless otherwise directed. The
nasal gel is usually used once a week to treat pernicious anemia.
Use the nasal spray 1 hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis
for the rest of your life. Failure to do so will result in irreversible damage to the nerves of
your spinal cord. Also, treatment with cyanocobalamin nasal cannot be replaced with folic
acid therapy. Folic acid may prevent anemia, but it will allow progressive damage to the
spinal cord.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep the nasal gel in the prescription vial when it is not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of cyanocobalamin nasal?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about cyanocobalamin nasal?
Your pharmacist has information about cyanocobalamin nasal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cyanocobalamin nasal?
If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using cyanocobalamin nasal
and seek emergency medical attention:
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
cyanocobalamin nasal and talk to your doctor if you experience
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headache;
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runny nose;
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upset stomach; or
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numbness or tingling.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin nasal?
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis
for the rest of your life. Failure to do this will result in irreversible damage to the nerves of
your spinal cord. Also, treatment with cyanocobalamin nasal cannot be substituted with
folic acid therapy. Folic acid may prevent anemia but it will allow progressive damage to the
spinal cord.
Use the nasal spray one hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
What should I avoid while taking cyanocobalamin nasal?
Use the nasal spray 1 hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
Do not use any other nasal medications while using cyanocobalamin nasal
unless they are approved by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect cyanocobalamin nasal?
Do not use any other nasal medications while using cyanocobalamin nasal
unless they are approved by your doctor.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medications:
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antibiotics, methotrexate (Rheumatrex), or pyrimethamine
(Daraprim). These medicines may interfere with diagnostic tests for vitamin B12 and folic
acid.
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colchicine, or alcohol used heavily for 2 weeks or
longer. These drugs can decrease the absorption of cyanocobalamin nasal.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
cyanocobalamin nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of cyanocobalamin nasal?
