INTRODUCTION

MYCOVIT OD contains Methylcobalamin which belongs to a group of medicines called 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 on the nerves.

Megaloblastic anemia can be defined as a decrease in number of red blood cells due to acquired deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, which plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, methylation reaction, brain and nervous system functions and immune functions. It helps in the synthesis of various essential amino acids required for cellular replication, haematopoiesis and myelination.

This medicine is generally well tolerated. However, few gastrointestinal side effects like anorexia, nausea or diarrhea can be seen. Methylcobalamin injection should not be used over a period of months if there is lack of satisfactory clinical response in patients with peripheral neuropathy or megaloblastic anemia. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women. Consult your doctor before taking.

USES OF MYCOVIT OD

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

HOW MYCOVIT OD WORKS

Following administration, methylcobalamin is converted to Coenzyme B12 in the liver, which is essential for the transmethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Synthesis of methionine performs various metabolic functions which is required for cell replication and haematopoiesis (production of RBC). It also promotes nucleic acid synthesis in the bone marrow and helps in the maturation and division of erythroblasts thereby improving anemia.

It also promotes the synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins and maintains myelin throughout the nervous system, which helps in proper function of central nervous system and exhibits an electrophysiological and neuropathological inhibitory effect on nerve degeneration in neuropathies.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

MYCOVIT OD will be given to you by a doctor or a nurse into the vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly). Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MYCOVIT OD

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

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

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

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

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

FAQs ABOUT MYCOVIT OD

Can MYCOVIT OD be used in pregnant women?

No. It is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult your doctor for advice.

Can MYCOVIT OD be used in breastfeeding mothers?

No. This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor for advice.

Is MYCOVIT OD is habit-forming?

No. This medicine 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. Eisai Co., Ltd. Safety and Efficacy of Mecobalamin Injection in Peripheral Neuropathies Patients (Study JGAZSY091109). NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised on November 2012] [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01192113

4. University of Tokushima. Clinical Trial of Ultra-high Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS (JETALS). NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised on June 2018] [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03548311

5. 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/

6. 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-Templat-Injection-Website.pdf

7. Getz Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. Nervon (Mecobalamin). [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://getzpharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nervon-Range-Leaflet-Export-GA.pdf

8. Mecobalamine. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. [Revised on February 2002] [Accessed 26th November 2020] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

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