INTRODUCTION

MECOBAL 500MCG contains Methylcobalamin which is an Anti-anemic agent. It is used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Peripheral neuropathy can be defined as a nerve pain that arises due to damage of peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) by traumatic injuries, infections or by metabolic problems like diabetes. It is characterized by stabbing, burning or tingling sensation, usually, in the hands and feet. Megaloblastic anemia can be defined as a decrease in number of red blood cells due to acquired deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of brain and nerves and for the production of red blood cells. Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that helps in the synthesis of various essential amino acids required for cellular replication, production of red blood cells and myelin formation (a protective layer covering the nerve fiber).

The most common side effects of taking this medicine are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. MECOBAL 500MCG can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results. Before taking MECOBAL 500MCG, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing mother.

USES OF MECOBAL 500MCG

Used to treat:

• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency

HOW MECOBAL 500MCG WORKS

MECOBAL 500MCG promotes the synthesis of nucleic acid and various proteins involved in the production of red blood cells. It also enhances cell repair and replication and helps in the formation of myelin sheath (a protective covering of the nerve fibers), thereby reducing pain.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take MECOBAL 500MCG as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MECOBAL 500MCG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Headache:  

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Before taking MECOBAL 500MCG, inform your doctor if you are taking:

• antibiotics (used to treat infection) Ex.chloramphenicol or neomycin
• medicine used to reduce stomach acid (Ex.omeprazole, cimetidine, lansoprazole)
• colchicine (used to treat gout)
• oral antidiabetic medicines (Ex.metformin)
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• aminosalicylic acid (used to treat tuberculosis)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took too much of MECOBAL 500MCG, consult your doctor immediately.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT MECOBAL 500MCG

Can MECOBAL 500MCG cause loss of appetite?

Yes. MECOBAL 500MCG may cause loss of appetite in some individuals. Try to eat smaller meals more often than usual. Always take a nutritious snack that is rich in calories and proteins, such as dried fruit and nuts.

Can MECOBAL 500MCG be used in children?

MECOBAL 500MCG is not recommended for use in children unless prescribed by a physician.

Can MECOBAL 500MCG affect your vision?

Before taking MECOBAL 500MCG, inform your doctor if you have any eye disease as a precaution, because it may affect your vision.

Is MECOBAL 500MCG is habit-forming?

No. MECOBAL 500MCG is not habit-forming or addictive in nature.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Haematinics and Erythropoietin. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 608-609.

2. Kenneth Kaushansky and Thomas J. Kipps. Hematopoietic agents: growth factors, minerals and vitamins. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 1088-1092.

3. Kenichi Izumi, Takehiro Fujise, Kanako Inoue, Hitoe Mori, Kouta Yamazaki, Yui Hongou, Satoko Takagi, Hiroko Yamanouchi, Kenji Ashida, Keizo Anzai. [Mecobalamin improved pernicious anemia in an elderly individual with Hashimoto's disease and diabetes mellitus]. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. 2013. [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24047671/

4. Amrita Sil, Hrishikesh Kumar, Rahul Deb Mondal, Sidharth Sankar Anand, Anirban Ghosal, Ashis Datta, Sandesh V Sawant, Vaibhavi Kapatkar, Ganesh Kadhe and Sameer Rao. A randomized, open labeled study comparing the serum levels of cobalamin after three doses of 500 mcg vs. a single dose methylcobalamin of 1500 mcg in patients with peripheral neuropathy. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. July 2018. [Accessed 25th November 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6037815/

5. National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. [Revised on March 2013] [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://www.npra.gov.my/images/reg-and-noti/PI/non-poison/Mecobalamin-Template-oral-Website.pdf

6. Methylcobalamine 1500mcg oral tablets. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. [Revised on July 2005] [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Vitamin B12 Blood test
• Blood test-complete blood count
• Electromyography