Cyanocobalamine

Generic Name: cyanocobalamine

Vitamin B12 [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Cyanocobalamine

DESCRIPTION Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is a sterile solution of cyanocobalamin for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Each mL contains 1,000 mcg cyanocobalamin, Sodium Chloride 0.9%. Benzyl Alcohol 1.5%, is present as a preservative. Sodium acetate and Glacial acetic acid are present as buffers. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added during manufacture to adjust the pH (range 4.5 to 7.0).

Overview

DESCRIPTION Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is a sterile solution of cyanocobalamin for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Each mL contains 1,000 mcg cyanocobalamin, Sodium Chloride 0.9%. Benzyl Alcohol 1.5%, is present as a preservative. Sodium acetate and Glacial acetic acid are present as buffers. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added during manufacture to adjust the pH (range 4.5 to 7.0).

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyanocobalamin is indicated for vitamin B 12 deficiencies due to malabsorption which may be associated with the following conditions: • Addisonian (pernicious) anemia • Gastrointestinal pathology, dysfunction, or surgery, including gluten enteropathy or sprue, small bowel bacteria overgrowth, total or partial gastrectomy • Fish tapeworm infestation • Malignancy of pancreas or bowel • Folic acid deficiency It may be possible to treat the underlying disease by surgical correction of anatomic lesions leading to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, expulsion of fish tapeworm, discontinuation of drugs leading to vitamin malabsorption (see Drug Interactions), use of a gluten-free diet in nontropical sprue, or administration of antibiotics in tropical sprue.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Avoid using the intravenous route. Use of this product intravenously will result in almost all of the vitamin being lost in the urine. Pernicious Anemia: Parenteral vitamin B 12 is the recommended treatment and will be required for the remainder of the patient's life. The oral form is not dependable. A dose of 100 mcg daily for 6 or 7 days should be administered by intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection. If there is clinical improvement and if a reticulocyte response is observed, the same amount may be given on alternate days for seven doses, then every 3 to 4 days for another 2 to 3 weeks. By this time hematologic values should have become normal. This regimen should be followed by 100 mcg monthly for life.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Generalized: Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported with administration of parenteral vitamin B 12 (see WARNINGS ). Cardiovascular: Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure early in treatment; peripheral vascular thrombosis. Hematological: Polycythemia vera Gastrointestinal: Mild transient diarrhea Dermatological: Itching; transitory exanthema Miscellaneous: Feeling of swelling of entire body To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1 877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Warnings

WARNINGS Patients with early Leber's disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy) who were treated with cyanocobalamin suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia which is treated intensely. Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. An intradermal test dose is recommended before Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is administered to patients suspected of being sensitive to this drug. This product contains Benzyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants. This product contains aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. CONTRAINDICATIONS Sensitivity to cobalt and/or vitamin B 12 is a contraindication.

Storage

HOW SUPPLIED Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP 1,000 mcg/mL is supplied as follows: 10 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-399-10 Box of 1 vial. 10 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-399-25 Box of 25 vials. 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-400-31 Box of 1 vial. 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-400-05 Box of 5 vials. Store at 20 o to 25 o C (68 o to 77 o F).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyanocobalamine used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyanocobalamin is indicated for vitamin B 12 deficiencies due to malabsorption which may be associated with the following conditions: • Addisonian (pernicious) anemia • Gastrointestinal pathology, dysfunction, or surgery, including gluten enteropathy or sprue, small bowel bacteria overgrowth, total or partial gastrectomy • Fish tapeworm infestation • Malignancy of pancreas or bowel • Folic acid deficiency It may be possible to treat the underlying disease by surgical correction of anatomic lesions leading to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, expulsion of fish tapeworm, discontinuation of drugs leading to vitamin malabsorption (see Drug Interactions), use of a gluten-free diet in nontropical sprue, or administration of antibiotics in tropical sprue.

What are the side effects of Cyanocobalamine?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Generalized: Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported with administration of parenteral vitamin B 12 (see WARNINGS ). Cardiovascular: Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure early in treatment; peripheral vascular thrombosis. Hematological: Polycythemia vera Gastrointestinal: Mild transient diarrhea Dermatological: Itching; transitory exanthema Miscellaneous: Feeling of swelling of entire body To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1 877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

What are the important warnings for Cyanocobalamine?

WARNINGS Patients with early Leber's disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy) who were treated with cyanocobalamin suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia which is treated intensely. Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. An intradermal test dose is recommended before Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is administered to patients suspected of being sensitive to this drug. This product contains Benzyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants. This product contains aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. CONTRAINDICATIONS Sensitivity to cobalt and/or vitamin B 12 is a contraindication.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.