Vitamin B12 Injection Medication Monograph
Written information about this prescription has been provided for you. Please read this information before you take the medication. If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer these questions at 888-689-2271
Información por escrito acerca de esta receta se le a presentado a usted. Favor de leer esta información antes de tomar el medicamento. Si usted tiene preguntas tocante esta receta, un farmacéutico estará presente durante horas de negocio para contestar sus preguntas
Complaints concerning the practice of pharmacy may be filed with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy at:
Quejas sobre la practica de farmacia pueden ser reportadas al Concilio Farmacia del Estado de Tejas:
William P. Hobby Building Ste. 3-600, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21
Austin, Texas 78701-3942 Tel: (512) 305-8000 www.tsbp.state.tx.us
Methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin are B-vitamins also known as Vitamin B12. Lipo-B contains cyanocobalamin as well as methionine, inositol, and choline. Vitamin B12 is found in food like meat, fish, shellfish and dairy products
Indications: Vitamin B12 deficiency: Treatment of pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary deficiencies, gastrointestinal malabsorption, folic acid deficiency, parasitic infestation, inadequate secretion of intrinsic factor, and inadequate utilization of B12 (eg, during neoplastic treatment); treatment of increased B12 requirements due to pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemorrhage, malignancy, liver or kidney disease
Renal Dosing: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling
Hepatic Impairment: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling
Contraindications: to vitamin B12, cobalt, or any component of the formulation
Warnings/Precautions:
CNS effects: Vitamin B12 deficiency for >3 months results in irreversible degenerative CNS lesions; neurologic manifestations will not be prevented with folic acid unless vitamin B12 is also given
Hypokalemia: According to the manufacturer, treatment of severe vitamin B12 megaloblastic anemia may result in severe hypokalemia, sometimes fatal, due to intracellular potassium shift upon anemia resolution; however, in more recent experience, while some patients may experience hypokalemia, this is unlikely to be significant
Leber disease: Patients with Leber disease who received B12 treatment have suffered from severe rapid optic atrophy
Thrombocytosis: Treatment of severe vitamin B12 megaloblastic anemia may result in thrombocytosis
Polycythemia vera: Vitamin B12 deficiency masks signs of polycythemia vera; vitamin B12 administration may unmask this condition
Drug Interactions: Chloramphenicol (Systemic): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Vitamin B12. Colchicine: May decrease the serum concentration of Vitamin B12. Heavy ethanol consumption >2 weeks may impair vitamin B12 absorption. Please speak with your doctor or pharmacist about other possible drug interactions as this list is not all-inclusive
Adverse Reactions: Dizziness, headache, nervous and excitable, upset stomach or throwing up, diarrhea
Storage: Lipo-B and cyanocobalamin should be stored at room temperature
Powdered Methylcobalamin should be stored at room temperature until it is mixed with water. Once mixed, methylcobalamin should be stored in the refrigerator
Patient Education:
What should I tell my doctor about before taking this medication?
Leber disease, blood problems, pregnancy, other medications you take including those that are over-the-counter
What side effects should I call my doctor about right away?
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; very loose stools (diarrhea); feeling very tired or weak; chest pain; shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs; change in balance; a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal; any unexplained bruising or bleeding