Cyanocobalamin is used to treat pernicious anaemia, a decrease in the red blood cells which is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is needed by the body to make red blood cells and not having enough of it can lead to pernicious anaemia.
Cyanocobalamin is also used to treat other vitamin B12 deficiency states.
Cyanocobalamin Intramuscular injection is to be injected slowly into the muscles, usually into the buttock muscles.
Your doctor or nurse will administer this injection for you.
Cyanocobalamin Intramuscular injection must not be injected intravenously.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Leber's disease (inherited form of vision loss)
- polycythemia vera (bone marrow disorder)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Cyanocobalamin.
Cyanocobalamin may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, itching, rash, and feeling of swelling of the entire body.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain and swelling in your arms and legs
- difficulty breathing, tiredness, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- chlorampenicol (antibiotic)
- colchicine (medicine for gout)
- medicines for seizures (fits) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cyanocobalamin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.