What is this medicine?
Methylcobalamin (methil-koe-BAL-a-min)
- Methylcobalamin is the active form of Vitamin B-12.
- It may be used as a supplement for Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: fast-burst sublingual tablet, capsule, suspension, troche, injection
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a red solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to methylcobalamin
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Injectable medications should be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly as directed by your healthcare provider. See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
Oral dosage forms may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with a small meal.
Sublingual formulations should be placed under the tongue or between the cheek and gums and held in place until fully dissolved. Avoid swallowing saliva to ensure best absorption into the bloodstream. Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before or after taking sublingual tablet.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, and throat, trouble breathing.
- Signs of injection site reaction: redness, itching, or swelling around the administration site.
- Regular check-ups with your provider are recommended.
What side effects or adverse reactions may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Possible side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Headache
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
References:
- Methylcobalamin. Lexi-Drugs. Natural Products Database. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed June 2023.
