Neo-B12 Injection (Hydroxocobalamin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Neo-B12 Injection Used For?
Neo-B12 Injection contains hydroxocobalamin, which is a form of vitamin B12. This essential vitamin helps your body make healthy red blood cells and maintain proper nerve function.
Primary Uses
Neo-B12 Injection is used to prevent and treat anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It is also used to treat diseases affecting the nerves in your eyes.
How to Take Neo-B12 Injection
Neo-B12 Injection is given as an injection into your muscle and must only be administered by a nurse or doctor at a medical facility.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you and how often you need the injection. This depends on your specific condition, weight, and other individual factors. The injection comes as a clear, dark red solution in 1000 micrograms/1 mL ampoules.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
- dizziness
- acne
- skin rash or discoloration
- itching
- pain or redness at injection site
- feeling hot or cold
- fever
- shivering
- general feeling of weakness or being unwell
- red or reddish colored urine or stool
- increased blood pressure
- changes in electrolytes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- signs of allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, skin rash, itching, or hives)
- severe breathlessness that worsens when lying down (due to fluid buildup in lungs)
- changes in heart rate (fast, slow, or irregular)
- chest tightness or pain
- swelling or pain in body parts (due to blood clots)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Neo-B12 Injection, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Neo-B12 Injection
Do not use Neo-B12 Injection if you are allergic to hydroxocobalamin, cobalt, or any other ingredients in the injection. Do not use it to treat megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy or if you have folate-deficient megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia caused by folic acid deficiency).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any spinal cord disease, folate-deficient megaloblastic anemia, or any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving Neo-B12 Injection, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor can discuss the possible risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Neo-B12 Injection and affect how well it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- chloramphenicol (antibiotic used to treat infections)
- contraceptive pill (birth control pill)
- folic acid supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how Neo-B12 Injection affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Neo-B12 Injection affects you.
Storage
Neo-B12 Injection is usually stored at your doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it, keep it in the original packaging until it’s time for administration. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from children and do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
Since Neo-B12 Injection is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience severe side effects or think you’ve received too much, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe for improvement depends on your individual condition and the severity of your vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor will monitor your progress and may do tests to ensure the medicine is working effectively.
Your doctor will decide how often you receive the injection based on your specific condition, weight, and other individual factors. The frequency varies from person to person.
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Neo-B12 Injection affects you, as it may cause dizziness or other side effects that could impair your ability to drive safely.
Tell any doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are receiving Neo-B12 Injection. Also inform them if you’re starting any new medicines, having surgery, or having blood tests, as it may affect other treatments or test results.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while receiving Neo-B12 Injection, tell your doctor immediately so they can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
For mild side effects like nausea, headache, or injection site pain, speak to your doctor if they worry you. For serious side effects like allergic reactions, breathing problems, or chest pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Some medicines may interfere with Neo-B12 Injection, including chloramphenicol, birth control pills, and folic acid. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking to avoid interactions.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.