What is cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made 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 and
other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin 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 (oral)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's
disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with
Leber's disease.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely take oral cyanocobalamin:
-
any type of infection;
-
iron or folic acid deficiency;
-
kidney or liver disease; or
-
if you are receiving any medication or treatment that
affects bone marrow.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cyanocobalamin
can harm an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether cyanocobalamin could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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.
Take oral cyanocobalamin with a full glass of water.
The sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue where it will dissolve.
Do not crush, chew, break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or
opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested every 3
to 6 months. This will help your doctor determine the correct dose and how long to treat you with
cyanocobalamin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular
basis for the rest of your life.
Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve
damage in your spinal cord.
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.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about cyanocobalamin (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
chest pain;
-
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
-
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
-
unusual warmth, redness, or pain in an arm or leg.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
headache, dizziness, weakness;
-
nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea;
-
numbness or tingling;
-
fever;
-
joint pain;
-
swollen tongue;
-
swelling; or
-
itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin (oral)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's
disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with
Leber's disease.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular
basis for the rest of your life.
Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve
damage in your spinal cord.
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.
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.
What should I avoid while taking cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with cyanocobalamin.
What other drugs will affect cyanocobalamin (oral)?
Before taking cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medications:
-
antibiotics;
-
methotrexate (Rheumatrex);
-
pyrimethamine (Daraprim);
-
colchicine; or
-
if you drank a lot of alcohol within the past 2 weeks.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
cyanocobalamin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cyanocobalamin (oral)?