What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Take cyanocobalamin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take the oral tablets with a full glass of water.
Your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions regarding the injectable form of this medication. It is usually injected into the muscle or just beneath the skin, and it is usually used once a month.
To use the nasal gel:
- Gently blow your nose to clear any mucous.
- Uncap the pump. Prime the unit (on first use and after 48 hours without use) by pumping it 7 to 8 times until a gel droplet appears at the tip. Then prime the unit with an additional 2 sprays.
- Insert the tip about 1 cm into your nostril, pointing it towards the back of the nose.
- Block your other nostril and tilt your head forward.
- Pump and sniff gently at the same time.
- Remove the pump from your nose. Rub your nostril gently for a few seconds.
- Clean the pump nozzle with a tissue and recap.
Use only one dose in one nostril unless otherwise directed. The nasal gel is usually used once a week to treat pernicious anemia.
Use the nasal spray one hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Failure to do this will result in irreversible damage to the nerves of your spinal cord. Also, treatment with cyanocobalamin cannot be substituted with folic acid therapy. Folic acid may prevent anemia but it will allow progressive damage to the spinal cord.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?