
What is Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)?
Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is a synthetic form of an essential nutrient used to treat deficiencies.
Vitamin B12 is FDA-approved for the following conditions:
- Pernicious anemia (autoimmune condition, that lowers the absorption of vitamin B12 from food)
- Atrophic gastritis (inflammation and thinning of the stomach lining)
- Gastrectomy (total or partial)
- Malabsorption
- Helicobacter pylori infection (major cause of stomach ulcers)
- Diphyllobothrium latum infection
- Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
- Chronic acid-reducing medication use
- Long-term metformin use
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Malignancy of the pancreas or bowel
- Dietary deficiency of vitamin B12
- Transcobalamin II deficiency (a rare genetic condition usually occurring in infancy)
Besides the FDA-approved conditions, vitamin B12 is also used for “off-label” purposes, meaning it is prescribed for conditions not officially approved by the FDA. These include:
- Cyanide poisoning
- Smoke inhalation
- Surgery-associated vasoplegia (involves low blood pressure and weak blood vessels despite good heart function)
- Vasodilatory shock (when blood vessels widen, causing less blood to reach organs like the brain and heart)
- Folic acid deficiency
- Potential reversible cognitive impairment and dementia
- Nitrous oxide myelopathy
How Does Vitamin B12 Work?
Vitamin B12 helps our bodies make DNA and produce energy, especially in the cells that create red blood cells. When we take synthetic vitamin B12, either as a pill or injection, our small intestine absorbs it after it binds to certain proteins.
If we get it through injection, it goes directly into our bloodstream. In the blood, it attaches to plasma proteins and is then picked up by specific B12-carrying proteins like transcobalamin I and II, which transport it into our cells. Most of the vitamin is stored in the liver for future use.
Dosage Information and Usage
Dosage Form and Strengths of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 comes in 1,000 mcg/mL injectable solution.
Usage
Depending on the patient’s condition, vitamin B12 can be given through muscle (IM) or skin (SC) injections. For serious deficiencies or absorption issues, injections are often necessary.
Typically, the dosage is 100 mcg of cyanocobalamin daily for a week, then weekly for a month, and finally monthly for life. Before starting, a small test dose under the skin may be given to check for allergic reactions.
It’s important not to inject it into a vein, as this can be dangerous. In severe cases, a large dose through a vein might be used, but only under a doctor’s supervision.
Side Effects of Vitamin B12
Common Side Effects
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Hypokalemia (leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, tingling/numbness, muscle weakness, or limp feeling)
- Numbness or tingling and joint pain
- Fever
- Swollen tongue
- Itching or rash
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Allergic reactions like itching
- Acne, rosacea
- Anaphylaxis
- Cobalt sensitivity-related allergic reactions
- Pulmonary edema (too much fluid build up in the lungs)
- Congestive heart failure
- Peripheral vascular thrombosis (inflammation in the arteries)
Warnings and Precautions
- Patients with early Leber’s disease who took cyanocobalamin had severe optic atrophy quickly. This means that cyanocobalamin could worsen optic nerve problems.
- Severe megaloblastic anemia treatment may lead to low potassium levels and sudden death. Intense treatment for severe anemia with cyanocobalamin could cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances and heart rhythm problems.
- Anaphylactic shock and death have happened after getting cyanocobalamin injections. A small skin test is suggested before using it.
- Benzyl Alcohol in this product can cause a deadly syndrome in premature babies.
- Aluminum in this product might be harmful, especially if the kidneys don’t work well. Premature babies are at higher risk because their kidneys are still developing.
- Blood tests should be done before and during vitamin B12 treatment to check for certain conditions and see how well the treatment is working.
- Some medications can affect vitamin B12 blood tests or how the body absorbs vitamin B12.
- Long-term use of some medications or heavy alcohol intake could make it hard for the body to absorb vitamin B12.
- Vitamin B12 hasn’t been proven to cause cancer, but pernicious anemia might increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Children should only take the recommended amount of vitamin B12.
Overdosage
Taking excessive vitamin B12 isn’t typically concerning as the body eliminates the excess through bile and urine. Overdosing on vitamin B12, even with high doses, is uncommon, and there’s no specific treatment if it occurs.
Price & Coupons
Cost & Discounts
Buying Vitamin B12 in the United States can be expensive, with prices starting at $90-$100. With Pharma Giant, you can get Vitamin B12 from Canada at a much lower cost, offering both affordability and convenience.
See our options for Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin):
| Strength | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1000mcg/mL | 10 mL | $24.95 |
| 1000mcg/mL | 1 vial x 10 mL | $24.95 |
| 1000mcg/mL | 2 x 1 vial x 10 mL | $46.00 |
| 1000mcg/mL | 3 x 1 vial x 10 mL | $63.00 |
Special Savings on Vitamin B12
Cut costs on your medication with Pharma Giant’s exclusive offer. Enter the code PGSAVE10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) purchases. This deal is available for a limited time, giving you the chance to save on essential health products without compromising on quality. Make sure to take advantage of this one-time use offer per customer.
Savings on Bulk Purchases
Pharma Giant offers significant savings on bulk purchases, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Quality Assurance and On-Time Delivery
At Pharma Giant, we promise to deliver high-quality medication quickly to your doorstep. With our fast shipping, your order will arrive within 3-5 business days anywhere in the US. We pack your medications in secure containers to ensure safe transit. Our goal is to make essential treatments accessible and affordable for Americans, even those without insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.





