Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Also known as: Cyanoject, Rubesol, Crysti, Crystamine, Amtech Vitamin B12, Anivit B12, Cobalaplex, Cyanocobalamin PXN-B12, Neo-Cytamen, Vitbee
- **Patience is Key**: It may take several weeks of therapy before you see noticeable improvement in your pet's condition (e.g., weight gain, improved stool quality). - **Long-term Commitment**: Depending on the underlying disease (like chronic GI issues or EPI), your pet may require **life-long** Vitamin B12 supplementation. - **At-Home Administration**: Because the medication is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, your veterinarian can teach you how to safely administer these injections at home. > **Important**: Even if you are giving injections at home, regular follow-up visits and blood tests are essential to ensure the B12 levels are adequately maintained.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with cobalt deficiency (Lambs)
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with cobalt deficiency (Adult sheep)
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with cobalt deficiency
- Cobalamin deficiency in cats with IBD
- Adjunctive treatment of idiopathic hepatic lipidosis
- Cobalamin deficiency associated with GI disease
- Cobalamin deficiency associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency associated with cobalt deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Cobalamin deficiency in dogs with severe GI disease (protein losing enteropathies, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Cobalamin deficiency associated with GI disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain at injection site (uncommon)
- Anaphylaxis (rarely reported in humans)
- Pain or stinging at the injection site
- Mild allergic reactions (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin
- Known hypersensitivity to cobalt or cobalamin
- Safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. Serum samples to be analyzed for cobalamin and/or folate should be protected from bright light and excessive heat.
Drug interactions
- Antibiotics: Concurrent use can cause falsely low serum or red blood cell cobalamin values if a microbiologic method assay is used.
- Omeprazole: May decrease oral absorption of Vitamin B12 by altering gastric pH
Frequently asked questions
What is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) used for in pets?
- **Patience is Key**: It may take several weeks of therapy before you see noticeable improvement in your pet's condition (e.g., weight gain, improved stool quality). - **Long-term Commitment**: Depending on the underlying disease (like chronic GI issues or EPI), your pet may require **life-long** Vitamin B12 supplementation. - **At-Home Administration**: Because the medication is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, your veterinarian can teach you how to safely administer these injections at home. > **Important**: Even if you are giving injections at home, regular follow-up visits and blood tests are essential to ensure the B12 levels are adequately maintained.
Is Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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