- What brand names are available for cyanocobalamin?
- What are the side effects of cyanocobalamin?
- What is the dosage for cyanocobalamin?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with cyanocobalamin?
- Is cyanocobalamin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about cyanocobalamin?
What brand names are available for cyanocobalamin?
Nascobal, Vitamin B12, VitaMelts Energy Bitamin B-12
Is cyanocobalamin available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for cyanocobalamin?
Yes
What are the side effects of cyanocobalamin?
Common side effects include
- joint pain,
- dizziness,
- headache, and
- cold symptoms.
Other side effects include:
- severe allergic reactions,
- diarrhea, and
- heart failure.
What is the dosage for cyanocobalamin?
(dosing may vary with individuals and with clinicians; doses presented here are examples for injection, not for oral or topical use) : Pernicious anemia (lifetime treatment required): 100 mcg intramuscularly or subcutaneously once daily for 6-7 days, followed by the same dose given on alternate days for seven doses, then every 3-4 days for another 2-3 months. Recommended maintenance dose is 100 mcg monthly for life.
For iron deficiency, the recommended dose is 30 mcg intramuscular injection once daily for 5-10 days then 100 to 200 mcg intramuscular injection monthly.
Which drugs or supplements interact with cyanocobalamin?
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) may decrease the effectiveness of cyanocobalamine. Cancer drugs may reduce the response to cyanocobalamine treatment. Use of colchicine (Colcrys) and heavy alcohol intake for longer than 2 weeks may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12.
QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerIs cyanocobalamin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Cyanocobalamine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. However, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin and requirements are increased during pregnancy.
Cyanocobalamine is excreted into human milk and is safe to use while breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 requirements are increased in nursing mothers.
Summary
Cyanocobalamine (Nascobal, Vitamin B12, VitaMelts Energy Bitamin B-12) is a supplement used to treat vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption associated with conditions like pernicious anemia, folic acid deficiency, pancreatic and bowel cancer, and tape worm infestation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, burning pain (especially at night), and loss of reflexes. Possible causes may include carpel tunnel syndrome, shingles, vitamin or nutritional deficiencies, and illnesses like diabetes, syphilis, AIDS, and kidney failure. Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed with exams and tests. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause. Usually, the prognosis for peripheral neuropathy is good if the cause can be successfully treated or prevented.
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Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.
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Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition in which a person has inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa when exposed to gluten in the diet. Symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Treatment involves following a gluten-free diet. Some individuals may have refractory celiac disease in which they do not respond to a gluten-free diet.
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Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are common symptoms and signs.
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What Is the Best Vitamin Supplement to Take?
Dietary supplements are a general term that includes vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics and other products to supplement the diet. The best vitamin supplement differs from person to person depending on their gender, age and any health conditions they have.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.