Everything about Vitamin B12 in a nutshell. Do you use it?

Do you sometimes feel tired? Do your limbs feel numb, or do you feel like your memory is a little lacking? One reason for these things could be that you are deficient in vitamin B12 . So if your doctor has prescribed you vitamin B12 pills or liquid, it is very important to know exactly what it is. Let's talk about this simply and kindly today.

Simply put, what is vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for our body. To be precise, this medicine is used to prevent and treat a deficiency in your body's vitamin B12 levels. Some people don't get enough B12 from the foods they eat. Others' digestive tracts can't absorb it properly. In such cases, we have to take B12 externally.

Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking vitamin B12, it's important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. You should especially mention if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have a rare eye disease like Leber's disease .
• If you have a deficiency of iron or folic acid in your blood.
• If you have a condition called megaloblastic anemia .
• If you have an allergic reaction to vitamin B12, cobalt, or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .

Knowing these things will make it easier for your doctor to decide if this medication is right for you and how to give it.

How should I use this?

This is a medicine that is usually taken by mouth. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right dose, at the right time. Read the instructions on the medicine package carefully.

• This can be taken before or after meals, but if you feel a little upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
• Do not use more than your doctor has prescribed.
• If you are giving it to children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Although it is given to children in some special cases, there are some things to be careful about.

What to do if you overdose?

Remember, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take 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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that can interact with vitamin B12

Some things can react with vitamin B12, meaning they can interfere with the way B12 works.

• Alcohol
• Colchicine - a medicine for gout

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, herbs , vitamins, and supplements you take. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Side effects that may occur due to this medicine

Like any medicine, vitamin B12 can cause side effects in some people. But most of the time, these are not serious. Let's take a look at what these are.

This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

It is also very important to store medicines properly.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) , in a dry place. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Do not use expired medications for any reason. Throw them away.

How do you dispose of unused and expired medications?

It is not a good idea to release expired medicines into the environment. They should be disposed of properly.

The best way is to take the medicine out of the bottle/packet, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. This way, no one will accidentally use the medicine.