Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Cyanocobalamin comes in oral tablets, sublingual tablets, nasal gel, nasal spray, and an injection form.
Take the oral tablet with a full glass of water.
The sublingual tablet should be placed under the tongue where it will dissolve.
The injection form is given as a shot into a muscle or under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
To use the nasal forms:
Gently blow your nose to clear any mucus.Prime the nasal gel pump before your first use and whenever it has been longer than 2 days between uses. Pump the gel unit several times until a gel droplet appears at the tip, then pump 2 more times.Prime the nasal spray before your first use by pumping the spray a few times until a fine mist appears. If it has been longer than 5 days between uses, pump 2 priming sprays before use.Insert the tip of the nasal pump about half an inch into your nostril, pointing it towards the back of the nose.Gently press your other nostril closed with your finger, and tilt your head forward. Pump and sniff gently at the same time. Return your head to an upright position.Remove the pump from your nose. Rub your nostril gently for a few seconds.Clean the tip of the spray or gel pump with a clean tissue and recap.
To treat pernicious anemia, you will have to use this medication on a regular basis for the rest of your life. Not using the medication can lead to irreversible nerve damage in your spinal cord.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with cyanocobalamin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the nasal gel in the prescription vial when not in use.