VITAMIN B12
Patient Counselling
How does it work?
Vitamin B12 helps the body produce normal DNA, prevents nerve damage, promotes growth and cell development. It is also required for proper digestion, the synthesis of proteins, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The exact mechanism in treating or preventing canker sores is unknown.
Administration
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Timed-Release 1200mcg: take 1 tablet once daily
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) 500mcg: take 2 tablets once daily
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Injection: Inject in to the muscle once weekly or monthly; to determined by the healthcare professional.
Side effects
Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated, however it should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Vitamin B12 formulation components or cobalt. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling, redness, itching of the skin and fever. Vitamin B12 may cause mild diarrhea or nausea. The injection may cause pain at the injection site.
Who should not take Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 supplementation is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding and may even be recommended in some cases. People diagnosed with Leber's disease should avoid Vitamin B12 supplementation.
People should be screened for folic acid deficiency before supplementing with Vitamin B12 because it could mask it and cause other complications.
Medications that may decrease the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation include:
o Aspirin or ASA
o Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C
o Colchicine
o Chlorampenicol
o Oral contraceptives
o Zidovudine or AZT
o Ranitidine
o Cimetidine
References:
1. Gulcan E, Toker S, Hatipoglu H, Gulcan A, Toker A. Cyanocobalamin May be Beneficial in the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers Even When Vitamin B12 Levels are Normal. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336(5):379-382
2. Baccaglini L, Lalla RV, Bruce AJ, Sartori-Valinotti JC, Latortue MC, Carrozzo M, Rogers RS. Urban Legends: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis. Oral Dis. 2011;17:755-770.
3. Repchinsky C, ed. Therapeutic Choices for Minor Ailments. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2013.
4. Micromedex Healthcare Series. DRUGDEX System. Greenwood Village, CO: Truven Health Analytics, 2013. http://www.thomsonhc.com/. Accessed July 14, 2013.
5. Cyanocobalamin. Lexi-Drugs Online [Internet]. Hudson (OH) : Lexi-Comp, Inc. 1978-2013http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6669. Accessed July 15, 2013.
6. Jamieson Vitamins. Timed Release Vitamin B12 1,200mcg. 2010. http://www.jamiesonvitamins.com/files/2268-Vitamin%20B12%20Timed%20Release%201,200%20mcg%20monograph.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2013
Vitamin B12 helps the body produce normal DNA, prevents nerve damage, promotes growth and cell development. It is also required for proper digestion, the synthesis of proteins, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The exact mechanism in treating or preventing canker sores is unknown.
Administration
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Timed-Release 1200mcg: take 1 tablet once daily
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) 500mcg: take 2 tablets once daily
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) Injection: Inject in to the muscle once weekly or monthly; to determined by the healthcare professional.
Side effects
Vitamin B12 is generally well tolerated, however it should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Vitamin B12 formulation components or cobalt. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling, redness, itching of the skin and fever. Vitamin B12 may cause mild diarrhea or nausea. The injection may cause pain at the injection site.
Who should not take Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 supplementation is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding and may even be recommended in some cases. People diagnosed with Leber's disease should avoid Vitamin B12 supplementation.
People should be screened for folic acid deficiency before supplementing with Vitamin B12 because it could mask it and cause other complications.
Medications that may decrease the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation include:
o Aspirin or ASA
o Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C
o Colchicine
o Chlorampenicol
o Oral contraceptives
o Zidovudine or AZT
o Ranitidine
o Cimetidine
References:
1. Gulcan E, Toker S, Hatipoglu H, Gulcan A, Toker A. Cyanocobalamin May be Beneficial in the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers Even When Vitamin B12 Levels are Normal. Am J Med Sci. 2008;336(5):379-382
2. Baccaglini L, Lalla RV, Bruce AJ, Sartori-Valinotti JC, Latortue MC, Carrozzo M, Rogers RS. Urban Legends: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis. Oral Dis. 2011;17:755-770.
3. Repchinsky C, ed. Therapeutic Choices for Minor Ailments. Ottawa, ON. Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2013.
4. Micromedex Healthcare Series. DRUGDEX System. Greenwood Village, CO: Truven Health Analytics, 2013. http://www.thomsonhc.com/. Accessed July 14, 2013.
5. Cyanocobalamin. Lexi-Drugs Online [Internet]. Hudson (OH) : Lexi-Comp, Inc. 1978-2013http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6669. Accessed July 15, 2013.
6. Jamieson Vitamins. Timed Release Vitamin B12 1,200mcg. 2010. http://www.jamiesonvitamins.com/files/2268-Vitamin%20B12%20Timed%20Release%201,200%20mcg%20monograph.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2013