Cyanocobalamin



Nascobal®; Twelve Resin-K







Cyanocobalamin

(sye an oh koe BAL a min)

U.S. Brand Names
Nascobal®; Twelve Resin-K
Pharmacologic Category
Vitamin, Water Soluble
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to cyanocobalamin or any part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have Leber's disease.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat anemia caused by low vitamin B12 levels.
  • This medicine is used to treat low vitamin B12 levels.
How does it work?
  • Cyanocobalamin is a dietary supplement that helps the body make healthy red blood and nerve cells.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Sublingual tablet: Place on tongue and let dissolve. Do not swallow whole.
  • Nasal:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For the nose only. Keep out of mouth and eyes (may burn).
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Check spray use with healthcare provider at each visit.
  • Use one hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
  • Injection:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or under the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: