Hydroxocobalamin

Most adults and children can have Hydroxocobalamin injections. It is not suitable for everyone.

To make sure it is safe for you, tell your doctor before starting hydroxocobalamin if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicines in the past
• have been told you have low levels of potassium
• have an irregular or fast heartbeat

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Hydroxocobalamin is generally safe to have in pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding.

Hydroxocobalamin does pass into your milk, but it is not harmful to your baby.

Having your injection

A nurse, or possibly a doctor, will usually give you your hydroxocobalamin injection. The injection is given into a muscle (known as an intramuscular injection). You may have some pain, swelling or itching where your injection was given. However this is usually mild and will wear off quite quickly.

How long will I take it for?

Your doctor will decide exactly how long you will need to have hydroxocabalamin injections. It depends on how well you respond to your treatment.

Like all medicines, Hydroxocobalamin can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away after a few days:

• pain, swelling or itchy skin where your injection was given
• feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• headaches
• feeling dizzy
• hot flushes

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are very rare but tell your doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms after having treatment:

• irregular heartbeats or heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable 

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

• pain, swelling or itchy skin where your injection was given – these symptoms are usually mild and should only last a few hours. You can ask a pharmacist to recommend a mild painkiller if the pain is bothering you
• feeling or being sick – stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food. If you are being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration
• diarrhoea – drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee
• headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or last longer than a few days
• feeling dizzy – stop what you are doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery until you stop feeling dizzy
• hot flushes – try cutting down on coffee, tea and alcohol. It might help to keep the room cool and use a fan. You could also spray your face with cool water or sip cold or iced drinks. The flushing should go away after a few days. If it does not go away, or if it is causing you problems, contact your doctor

Cautions with other medicines

Hydroxocobalamin is usually safe to have with other medicines including painkillers. 

How does it work?

Hydroxocobalamin is a manufactured version of vitamin B12. It works by increasing your levels of vitamin B12 so that you can make red blood cells that work properly to carry oxygen around your body. This helps to reduce symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy.

How long does it take to work?

Hydroxocobalamin gets to work straight away. However it may take a few days or weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.

Are the injections OK to have for a long time?

Yes, it is OK to have hydroxocobalamin injections for a long time. Some people will need to have them for the rest of their lives.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink as normal while taking hydroxocobalamin.

Will it affect my contraception?

Hydroxocobalamin will not stop any contraception working, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, oral contraceptives may reduce the blood levels of hydroxocobalamin. But it w ill not have a noticeable affect on your treatment. If hydroxocobalamin makes you sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Hydroxocobalamin generally does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike. However, it can make some people feel dizzy. If you do feel dizzy after having it, do not drive, cycle or use any machinery or tools until you feel OK again.