Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Most people get enough vitamin B12 in their diet, but a deficiency may occur in certain health conditions (e.g., poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, cancer). Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage.How to use Vitamin B-12 injectionIf you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Injections may be given daily when you first start treatment.
Certain medical conditions (e.g., pernicious anemia) may require you to continue receiving injections every month.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. What conditions does Vitamin B-12 injection treat? Pain/redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. This medication may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.People who have a rare blood disorder (polycythemia vera) may rarely have symptoms related to this disorder while taking cyanocobalamin. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious symptoms occur: chest pain (especially with shortness of breath), weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, slurred speech.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: swelling ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness.However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.List Vitamin B-12 injection side effects by likelihood and severity. Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; Your doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test dose before starting your regular dose. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia), gout, a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), a certain eye disease (Leber's disease), other vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially folic acid and iron).
This product may contain aluminum, which can rarely build up to dangerous levels in the body. The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in newborns or in people with kidney disease. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may affect blood cell production (e.g., chloramphenicol, anti-cancer drugs, HIV drugs), other vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially folic acid).
Certain other drugs may interfere with laboratory tests for vitamin B12 levels, possibly causing false test results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors if you take any of the following: anti-infective drugs (e.g., amoxicillin, erythromycin), methotrexate, pyrimethamine.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Overdose with this medication is very unlikely. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.NotesDo not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., serum potassium levels, complete blood count, hematocrit, vitamin B12 levels) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. This product is not a substitute for a proper diet.
Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in many foods from animals, especially liver, kidney, fish and shellfish, meat, and dairy foods.Missed DoseFor the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. StorageStore at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Vitamin B12 is to the human body what gasoline is to a car; without it, you’re not getting anywhere. A diet that includes meat, fish, and dairy products can provide natural sources of B12; however, these foods typically carry a heavy toxic load. Vegetarians and vegans can suffer from B12 deficiency, so can meat eaters, making B12 deficiency a common problem many people solve with supplementation or a B12 injection. For those who don’t care for a shot, dietary supplementation like VeganSafe™ B12, with the two active forms of B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, may be as effective as a B12 shot.
The shot delivers a high dose of therapeutic B12, usually in the form of cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. For those who don’t care for a shot, oral supplementation with the two active forms of B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, may be as effective as a B12 shot. Those who cannot digest or absorb B12 as a result of inherited genetics or damage to the stomach and small intestine require more than can be absorbed from sublingual supplementation. In situations where a high dose is needed, or where injection is the only option, the B12 shot is used. In some cases, B12 shots are used as an energy booster, since B12 plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include depression and mood disorders, fatigue, memory failure, anemia, low blood pressure, and high homocysteine levels. While the shot addresses B12 deficiency, it may also be prescribed to boost energy, as a therapy for depression, or to drive cognitive function. Researchers are also exploring its potential as a therapy for bipolar disorders, shaky leg syndrome, and autism.
Before getting the shot, make sure to inform your doctor of any allergies, nutritional supplements you may be taking, or if you’ve recently consumed large amounts of alcohol. At the appointment, the doctor or healthcare professional delivers the shot directly into muscle, usually into the thigh or upper arm, for easy absorption into the bloodstream. The dosage amount and the type of B12 used appears to have some control over side effects. As a note, the common side effects of excess vitamin intake include flushing, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Here are the side effects you might experience from the two common B12 shots: This form of B12 is the one we find in our food. When delivered as a B12 shot, mild side effects may include soreness at the injection site, itching, diarrhea, and swelling. Serious side effects include muscle cramping, weakness, or an irregular heartbeat. Although rare, some very serious side effects are chest pain, shortness of breath, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, and weakness on one side of the body.