cyanocobalamin
see VITAMIN B12 .
Cyanocobalamin injection is used to treat and prevent a lack of vitamin B12 that may be caused by any of the following: pernicious anemia (lack of a natural substance needed to absorb vitamin B12 from the intestine); certain diseases, infections, or medications that decrease the amount of vitamin B12 absorbed from food; or a vegan diet (strict vegetarian diet that does not allow any animal products, including dairy products and eggs). Lack of vitamin B12 may cause anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to the organs) and permanent damage to the nerves. Cyanocobalamin injection also may be given as a test to see how well the body can absorb vitamin B12. Cyanocobalamin injection is in a class of medications called vitamins. Because it is injected straight into the bloodstream, it can be used to supply vitamin B12 to people who cannot absorb this vitamin through the intestine.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking cyanocobalamin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Taking vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) at the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant. It is not known whether having a vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the ability to get pregnant. Anyone with questions about fertility and B12 intake should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking cyanocobalamin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes that taking vitamin B12 at the RDA is not expected to increase the chance of miscarriage, although some studies have associated low B12 levels (less than 200–300 pg/mL) with a higher chance of miscarriage. Because many factors can contribute to miscarriage, individual questions are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking cyanocobalamin increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet states that taking vitamin B12 at the RDA is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. Some studies have suggested that having too little B12, or altered B12 metabolism, may be associated with an increased chance of neural tube defects and possibly cleft lip and/or palate, while other studies have not found the same results. A healthcare provider can help review individual nutritional needs.
Can taking cyanocobalamin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Taking vitamin B12 at the RDA is not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, per the fact sheet. However, vitamin B12 deficiency or low levels have been associated with preterm delivery in some research. Individual concerns should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking cyanocobalamin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet indicates that taking vitamin B12 at the RDA is not expected to affect future behavior or learning for the child. It is not known whether a vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can affect later behavior or learning. Questions about supporting a child's development are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking cyanocobalamin?
Vitamin B12 is a typical component of breast milk, and the fact sheet notes that people who are breastfeeding are generally advised to continue meeting the RDA for B12 (2.8 mcg/day) unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider. If a breastfeeding parent is B12-deficient, an exclusively breastfed infant may have a higher chance of becoming deficient, which can cause symptoms such as low muscle tone, tremors, anemia, and changes in skin and hair. Discuss specific nutritional needs with your healthcare provider and your baby's pediatrician.
Source: National Library of Medicine
cyanocobalamin