Nascobal

Nascobal is a medicine used to maintain normal levels of vitamin B12 in people who have pernicious anemia (a type of anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12 absorption). Nascobal is also used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people who have certain conditions or infections of the stomach or intestines or in people who do not consume enough vitamin B12 in their diet.

How does this medication work?

Nascobal is a form of vitamin B12 that supplements deficient vitamin B12 levels caused by certain conditions.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: By increasing vitamin B12 levels in your blood, Nascobal may help prevent anemia.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions. It is important that you use Nascobal exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

How do I know it is working?

Your healthcare provider may order blood tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

More common side effects may include: headache, nausea, runny nose.

Less common side effects may include:

Serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat.

Do not use Nascobal if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Nascobal. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have Leber's disease (an inherited eye disease), or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: The recommended starting dose is one spray (500 micrograms) in one nostril once a week.

Use Nascobal exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Use Nascobal at least one hour before or one hour after ingestion of hot foods or liquids.

Please review the instructions that came with your prescription on how to properly use Nascobal.

Do not use extra doses or stop using Nascobal without first talking to your healthcare provider.

If Nascobal is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Nascobal with the following: alcohol, antibiotics, colchicine, methotrexate, para-aminosalicylic acid, pyrimethamine.

The effects of Nascobal during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose of Nascobal, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use two doses at once.

Store at room temperature. Protect from light and freezing.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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