What is cyanocobalamin injection?
Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cyanocobalamin injection?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cyanocobalamin injection?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cyanocobalamin injection:
any type of infection;
iron or folic acid deficiency;
kidney or liver disease; or
if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cyanocobalamin injection is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether cyanocobalamin could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.