What is Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.
Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia and other conditions.
Cyanocobalamin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber’s disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber’s disease.
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.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all of your medications as directed.
Avoid eating or drinking hot foods or liquids within 1 hour before or after using the nasal form of this medication.
Tell your doctor if you develop nasal congestion, a cold, or allergies. The nasal spray may not work as well if you are congested.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber’s disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber’s disease.
Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you have:

• any type of infection
• iron or folic acid deficiency
• kidney or liver disease; or
• if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow

Tell your doctor if you develop nasal congestion, a cold, or allergies. Nasal cyanocobalamin may not work as well if your nose is congested.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether cyanocobalamin could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Nascobal Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling, rapid weight gain; or
• unusual warmth, redness, or pain in an arm or leg

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness, weakness
• nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea
• numbness or tingling
• runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, swollen tongue
• fever
• joint pain; or
• itching or rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nascobal Interactions

What other drugs affect Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• antibiotics
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• pyrimethamine (Daraprim)
• colchicine; or
• if you drank a lot of alcohol within the past 2 weeks

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cyanocobalamin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Do not drink hot liquid or eat hot food within 1 hour before or after you use nasal cyanocobalamin.
Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while you are being treated with cyanocobalamin.
Avoid using any other nasal medications that your doctor has not recommended or prescribed.

Nascobal Dosage

How should I take Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

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.
Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breast-feed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.
To use nasal cyanocobalamin.

• 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. Prime the pump 1 time before each use thereafter
• Insert the tip of the nasal pump about half an inch into your nostril, pointing it toward 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 be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested every 3 to 6 months. This will help your doctor determine the correct dose and how long to treat you with cyanocobalamin. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
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.
Pernicious anemia is also treated with folic acid to help maintain red blood cells. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Use all of your medications as directed.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the nasal gel in the prescription vial when not in use. Store the nasal spray upright.

What happens if I overdose on Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of cyanocobalamin is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com