Cyanocobalamin is used to treat and prevent certain types of anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body) due to deficiency in cobalamin (vitamin B12).
Cyanocobalamin injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually into the muscles of the upper arm, thigh or buttocks) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and response to the medication.
Cyanocobalamin 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 Cyanocobalamin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Cyanocobalamin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine, cobalt, or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Leber's disease (an eye condition that affects the nerve at the back of the eye leading to loss of central vision)
- folate (vitamin B9) deficiency
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. vitamin B12 levels, blood potassium levels, blood cell count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of skin or allergic reactions may also be needed.
Cyanocobalamin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and pain or redness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- itchy, blistered, dry and cracked skin
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- confusion or changes in speech, chest pain, fits or seizures
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:
- certain antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, neomycin
- certain medicines for diabetes
- colchicine (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- birth control pills
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 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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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