Vitamin B12 is a medication that prevents and treats low vitamin B12 levels in your body. Vitamin B12 maintains the health of your nervous system and red blood cells. This medication helps people who don’t get enough vitamin B12 in their diet or their body doesn’t absorb enough of the vitamin regularly.
VITAMIN B12 (VAHY tuh min B12) prevents and treats low vitamin B12 levels in your body. It is used in people who do not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when their digestive tract does not absorb enough. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health of your nervous system and red blood cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. If you are taking the tablets, do not chew, cut, or crush this medication. If using a vitamin solution, use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Follow a healthy diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have vitamin B12 naturally are fish, seafood, egg yolk, milk, and fermented cheese.
Too much of this vitamin can be unsafe. Talk to your care team about how much is right for you.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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