Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Or has your doctor told you that your blood test results show that your vitamin B12 levels are low? Then this article will be very important for you. Today we will talk about vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for our body, and the pills that are prescribed for it.
What exactly is vitamin B12? How is it important for us?
Simply put, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the healthy functioning of our bodies. It has two main functions.
1. Red blood cell production: Vitamin B12 helps in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our body. If this is reduced, conditions like anemia can occur.
2. Nervous system health: Vitamin B12 is very important for maintaining the proper functioning of our brain and entire nervous system.
We usually get vitamin B12 from the foods we eat (especially animal foods). But sometimes, either because we don't have enough of it in the foods we eat, or because our digestive system can't absorb it properly, we can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. That's when a doctor might prescribe vitamin B12 pills.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before using vitamin B12 tablets, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions:
| Health status | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you are allergic to vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), cobalt, or any other medicine, food, or pigment. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have Leber's disease (a rare condition that affects vision), megaloblastic anemia, or low levels of iron or folic acid in your blood. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor about this. |
Remember, sharing your complete health history with your doctor is very important for your safety.
How to use this medicine correctly?
You should use this medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed you. These are usually pills that you take by mouth.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor, and do not use it more often than prescribed.
What if I miss my medication?
If you suddenly miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suspect you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that can interact with vitamin B12
Some medications and substances can affect the way vitamin B12 works, so tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12.
- Other medications: Medications such as aminosalicylic acid, colchicine, chloramphenicol, and some chemotherapy drugs for cancer may interact with this.
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (both those prescribed by doctors and those purchased from pharmacies), vitamins, nutritional supplements, Sinhala medicines, and even Ayurvedic medicines .
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical checkups: Visit your doctor at the scheduled times. You may also need to have blood tests to check your vitamin B12 levels.
- Diet: Your doctor may advise you to follow a special diet. Follow those instructions carefully.
- Alcohol and smoking: To get the most out of this medication, it is very important to limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, vitamin B12 tablets can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
Severe allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing. | |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Runny or stuffy nose | |
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets. This is very important.
- Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- When disposing of unused or expired medications, crush the pills, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, seal them tightly in a polythene bag, and throw them in the trash. This will help prevent them from falling into the hands of others and being misused.
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for making our red blood cells and keeping our nervous system healthy.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- Use the medicine only as prescribed by your doctor. Never double the dose.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face and throat, seek medical advice immediately.
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