Vitamin B-12

Before taking cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any form of vitamin B12; or to cobalt; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: a certain eye disease (Leber's optic neuropathy), a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), gout, iron or folic acid deficiency anemia, low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia).

Cyanocobalamin taken by mouth should only be used if your body can properly absorb it. You may need a form of vitamin B12 that is injected or inhaled in the nose if you have any of the following health problems: pernicious anemia, food absorption problems, stomach/intestinal surgery (such as gastric bypass or bowel resection), stomach/intestinal disease (such as Crohn's disease, colitis, diverticulitis, pancreatic insufficiency), irradiation of the small bowel.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Cyanocobalamin is safe to use during pregnancy when taken in recommended doses. Higher doses should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant when used in recommended doses. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for specific instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as intrinsic factor, blood tests for other types of anemia), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as vitamin B12 levels, complete blood count, blood potassium levels) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is best to get your vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. Eat a well-balanced diet. Follow your doctor's advice about what foods are best for you. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, cheese), and enriched breads/cereals.

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, take as directed by your doctor.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once daily. Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

There are many brands and forms of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) may be different between products.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Some liquid brands may require you to shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are taking the extended-release tablets, do not crush or chew them. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are taking the rapidly-dissolving tablets, dissolve in the mouth with or without water as directed by your doctor or the product package.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can decrease the amount of vitamin B12 you absorb. Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C within one hour before or after taking this product.

If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.