Hydroxocobalamin Injection

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with hydroxocobalamin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Omeprazole because the effectiveness of hydroxocobalamin may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if hydroxocobalamin may interact with other medicines that you take. 

How to use hydroxocobalamin:

• Use hydroxocobalamin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Hydroxocobalamin is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using hydroxocobalamin at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If hydroxocobalamin contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of hydroxocobalamin, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
• Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use hydroxocobalamin.

Important safety information:

• Do not take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) unless directed to by your doctor.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking hydroxocobalamin, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using hydroxocobalamin during pregnancy. It is unknown if hydroxocobalamin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using hydroxocobalamin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of hydroxocobalamin:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in blood pressure; diarrhea; fainting; flushing; itching; leg pain; pain or redness at the injection site; swelling.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

Side effects:

If any of the following side effects occur while taking hydroxocobalamin, check with your doctor or nurse immediately:

More common:

• Blurred vision
• dizziness
• headache
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the skin
• slow or fast heartbeat

Incidence not known:

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• cough
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• feeling of warmth
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the , eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• sudden sweating
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

More common:

• Blemishes on the skin
• dry, red, hot, or irritated skin
• nausea
• pimples
• red colored urine
• Incidence not known:
• Acid or sour stomach
• being forgetful
• belching
• diarrhoea
• heartburn
• indigestion
• redness or swelling of the eyes
• restlessness
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Uncomplicated disease:

• Initial dose: 30 mcg IM once daily for 5 to 10 days, or 100 mcg IM once daily for one week, followed by 100 mcg IM every other day for 2 weeks.
• Maintenance dose: 100 to 200 mcg IM once a month

Complicated disease:

• Initial dose: 1000 mcg IM once with folic acid 15 mg, followed by 100 mcg once daily with folic acid 5 mg daily for 1 week
• Maintenance dose: 100 to 200 mcg IM once a month

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxocobalamin

http://www.medicinenet.com/hydroxocobalamin-injectable/article.htm

https://www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/medicine/22177/SPC/Hydroxocobalamin+Injection+BP+1mg+ml/

http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/hydroxocobalamin.html

http://patient.info/medicine/hydroxocobalamin-injection-cobalin-h-neo-cytamen

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/diet-and-nutrition/a6879/hydroxocobalamin/