About Hydroxocobalamin

If you have an autoimmune disorder called pernicious anemia (PA) that causes your body to fail in making sufficient amounts of red blood cells, your doctor can prescribe Hydroxocobalamin generic or brand to help increase your level of B12. This vitamin is usually found in your diet, unless you are a vegan; but the intestines of those with PA are unable to absorb vitamin B12 due to the inability to produce a certain protein that binds to red blood cells in order to be absorbed. Hydroxocobalamin is an injectable form of vitamin B12. Your doctor or other health professional can instruct you on the proper way to inject Hydroxocobalamin at home. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

What Happens When Hydroxocobalamin is Injected?

When you inject Hydroxocobalamin as demonstrated, it is converted in your body into a useable form by the bacteria in your digestive tract. The human body does not make Hydroxocobalamin but it is structured similar to vitamin B12. It then combines with intrinsic factor (IF), a protein made by your stomach. As IF is poorly produced in those with PA, the remaining B12 that was injected will be absorbed through passive diffusion (a means of transporting without a need for energy).

Conditions Treated by Hydroxocobalamin

Most cases of pernicious anemia are found to involve your immune system attacking and destroying the mucosal cells in your stomach which are essential for producing a protein called intrinsic factor (IF). This results in not enough of IF available to help your intestines absorb the vitamin B12 from the food you have eaten.

Without a good supply of vitamin B12, your body cannot produce sufficient amounts of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). The main function of RBCs is transporting oxygen from your lungs to other tissues in your body while taking carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the tissues in your body and back to your lungs.

Before Administering Hydroxocobalamin

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding to be certain Hydroxocobalamin is safe to inject. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor before starting treatment with Hydroxocobalamin, and list any Rx or OTC drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. This can help to determine if Hydroxocobalamin is the right medication for you.

Hydroxocobalamin Precautions

Inform other health professionals you regularly visit, such as your dentist, optometrist, or community health nurse, that you are undergoing treatment with Hydroxocobalamin. The needles and other injection materials you use should be properly disposed of in a sharps container. These are usually available from your pharmacist at no cost and can be returned or exchanged when filled as needed. Keep Hydroxocobalamin and any needles or syringes out of children’s reach.

Oral Vitamin B12, although poorly absorbed without the IF, may still be effective at reducing the symptoms of PA. These could include loss of appetite, depression, confusion, heartburn, and nausea/vomiting.

Possible Side Effects of Hydroxocobalamin

• Diarrhea
• Irritation at injection site
• Itchiness or redness at injection site

Drugs Similar to Hydroxocobalamin

• Vitamin B12 Injection
• Vitamin B12 1000mcg Sublingual Jamieson
• Vitamin B12 1200mcg Timed Release