Hydroxocobalamin is used to treat blood disorders caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
This medicine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. You may also be taught how to administer this medicine by yourself. Use Hydroxocobalamin exactly as directed by your doctor or nurse .Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Hydroxocobalamin must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Hydroxocobalamin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse.
DO NOT use Hydroxycobalamin for the treatment of certain type of blood disorders (e.g. unusually large red blood cells) that occur during pregnancy.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are undergoing haemodialysis (procedure used to remove fluids and waste products from the blood), inform your doctor that you are being treated with this medicine.
This medicine may cause sensitivity to light. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Hydroxocobalamin may cause any of the following side effects: rashes, fever, chills, hot flushes, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and pain, itching or swelling at the injection site.
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 antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this can reduce the effectiveness of Hydroxocobalamin. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Do not use this medicine if it becomes cloudy or if it has changed in colour.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.