How does it work?

Hydroxocobalamin is an injectable form of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the activities of several enzymes. It is essential for making the genetic material of cells and thus for growth and development. Vitamin B12 is particularly important in the formation of red blood cells. It is required for the utilisation of dietary folic acid and carbohydrates. It is also necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

A normal diet usually provides sufficient vitamin B12. A strict vegetarian or vegan diet (lacking in eggs or dairy products) is likely to produce a deficiency. In this situation, supplements will be needed.

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia where the absorption of the vitamin is impaired due the absence of "intrinsic factor". Supplements are also needed in certain bowel disorders such as coeliac disease and steatorrhoea, after surgery to the stomach or tapeworm infestation.

Hydroxocobalamin is given as an intramuscular injection.

• A rare inherited disease affecting young males causing the loss of sight in the centre of the field of vision (Lebers optic atrophy)
• Poor eyesight caused by tobacco smoking (tobacco amblyopia)
• Reduced ability of the gut to absorb nutrients (malabsorption)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia)

• Do not take this medicine without confirmation of diagnosis (except in an extreme emergency).
• Regular monitoring of blood potassium levels is recommended.

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient. This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine. There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Rash
• Itching (pruritus)
• Nausea
• Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)
• Fever (pyrexia)
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Hot flushes
• An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
• Acne
• Blistering

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Blood concentrations of cyanocobalamin may be lowered by oral contraceptives but this is unlikely to have clinical significance.