Hydroxocobalamin 1mg/ml Solution for Injection (5)

Hydroxocobalamin 1mg/ml Solution for Injection - 5 x Glass Ampoules

What is Hydroxocobalamin 1mg/ml Solution for Injection and what is it used for?

This medicine contains Hydroxocobalamin which is a form of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 contains cobalt.

Hydroxocobalamin is given for:

• Addisonian pernicious anaemia (caused when absorption of Vitamin B12 from the stomach is reduced).
• Tobacco amblyopia (poor sight caused by toxins such as tobacco).
• Leber’s atrophy (degeneration of the optic nerve resulting in loss of central vision).
• Treatment/prevention of other macrocytic anaemias due to deficiency in vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is needed for physical growth and development and for the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is also required for absorption of folic acid and carbohydrates from food and for keeping the nerve (neurological) system healthy.

The body only requires a small amount of the vitamin daily so a deficiency may take months or even years to develop. Eventually, the formation of abnormally large red blood cells (macrocytes) with reduced ability to carry oxygen from enlarged cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow, gives rise to anaemia.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia include sore mouth and tongue, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, memory loss and depression.

What do you need to know before you take Hydroxocobalamin?

• Do not use Hydroxocobalamin Injection if you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Warnings and precautions:

Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given Hydroxocobalamin injection:

• If you are aware of abnormal heart beats whilst receiving Hydroxocobalamin injections.
• If, after several weeks’ treatment you do not feel any improvement.
• if you have a known cobalt allergy.

How Hydroxocobalamin Injection is given to you

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Hydroxocobalamin will be given to you by injection into a muscle. The dose depends on your individual needs and responses to treatment. Your blood levels of Vitamin B12 and folic acid are likely to be monitored both before and during treatment. If you have doubts about the treatment or want more information about your medicine or the monitoring procedure, do ask the doctor or nurse.

Recommended dose of Hydroxocobalamin for Adults and Children

Initial dose: This varies between 250 mcg and 1mg given daily or on alternative days. The actual dosage depends on your specific illness and your response to treatment.

Maintenance dose: Your doctor will check your condition regularly. When he/she feels that your health has improved sufficiently, your dose of Hydroxocobalamin Injection will be reduced to 1mg every 2-3 months or as required.

If more Hydroxocobalamin injection is used than should be:

Being given more than the intended dose of hydroxocobalamin injection is unlikely to cause a problem requiring treatment.

Tell the doctor if you are experiencing any side effects or think you may be reacting badly so that he/she can give appropriate treatment.

If you have already left the medical premises, contact your nearest hospital, doctor or nurse.

If a dose of Hydroxocobalamin Injection is forgotten:

It is unlikely that you will miss a dose as your doctor or nurse will be giving it to you. However, it is important not to have a double dose if you have missed one. Ask your doctor or nurse when you should have the next dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

How to store Hydroxocobalamin Injection

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C. Keep the ampoule in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
• If only part used, discard the remaining solution.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

What does Hydroxocobalamin Injection contain?

The active substance is Hydroxocobalamin.

The other ingredients are sodium chloride, glacial acetic acid in water for injections.

Contents

• Pack of 5 x 1mg/ml glass ampoules of Hydroxocobalamin

References and useful links for more information on Hydroxocobalamin:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/hydroxocobalamin/
• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydroxocobalamin/common-questions-about-hydroxocobalamin/
• Report an issue with a medicine to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/