Cytacon® Tablets contain cyanocobalamin, which is known as vitamin B12.
Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their food, but if you have had stomach
surgery, or certain diseases of the intestines, or a restricted diet, you may not absorb
enough vitamin B12.
Lack of vitamin B12 in the body causes a disease called pernicious anaemia (reduction
in the number of red blood cells) which is often treated with vitamin B12 injections.
Cytacon® tablets are used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency when injections cannot be
used.
2. Before you take Cytacon® Tablets
DO NOT take Cytacon® Tablets if:
' You know that you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or any of the other ingredients of
Cytacon® Tablets (see section 6 of this leaflet).
Those who have an allergic reaction to Cyanocobalamin by injection are often able to
take Cytacon® Tablets without problems.
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
CYTACON® TABLETS
cyanocobalamin 50 micrograms
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Take special care with Cytacon® Tablets if:
If you have any other medical conditions, speak to your doctor before you take these
tablets.
Your doctor will want to monitor your response to this medicine carefully, particularly
if you are young or elderly. This will probably involve regular examination of your blood
every three months for 18 months and then annually.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. The absorption of
Cytacon® tablets may be affected by:
' Neomycin and chloramphenicol which are antibiotics
' Colchicine, a treatment for gout
' Biguanides, e.g. metformin, which are used to treat diabetes
' Cholestyramine which is used to reduce the amount of cholesterol (fats) in the blood
' Potassium chloride which is used to correct potassium deficiency
' Methyldopa which is used to treat high blood pressure
' Cimetidine which is used to treat excess acid in the stomach causing indigestion or ulcer
' Oral contraceptives
Antibiotics (used to treat infections) and antimetabolites (used to treat some cancers)
can affect the blood tests to measure vitamin B12.
Taking Cytacon® Tablets with food and drink
Cytacon® Tablets should be swallowed with water and taken between meals.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
You should let your doctor know if you are or think you may be pregnant or are
planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
As with all drugs Cytacon® Tablets should only be given in pregnancy and when breast
feeding if absolutely necessary.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Cytacon® Tablets
This medicine also contains lactose (which is a sugar). If you have been told by your
doctor that you are intolerant of lactose, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
3. How to take Cytacon® Tablets
Always take Cytacon® Tablets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. You
should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Please read the label carefully, it will tell you how many Cytacon® Tablets to take
each day.
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USUAL DOSES
Adults and Elderly: one to three tablets daily.
Children: one tablet daily.
Cytacon® Tablets should be swallowed with water and taken between meals. Do not
stop taking this medicine, except on your doctor's advice. Your doctor may change the
dose, depending on how you react to it.
If you take more Cytacon® Tablets than you should:
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, bring any remaining tablets and this
leaflet with you to your doctor or pharmacist so that they know exactly what you have taken.
If you forget to take your Cytacon® Tablets:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if it is within a few hours of the
normal time. Otherwise, leave out that dose completely and take your next dose at the
normal time it is due.
Do not take double the amount of Cytacon® Tablets if you miss a dose.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Cytacon® Tablets can sometimes cause side effects, although they
are rare and not everyone will get these.
Allergic reactions to these tablets are rare but may show as an itchy rash. Very rarely,
a severe allergic reaction may occur causing sudden onset of swelling of the face and
neck, and shortness of breath.
Acne-like and blister rashes have been reported rarely.
If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in
this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. How to store Cytacon® Tablets
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use Cytacon® Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the box. If your
medicine is out of date, take it to your pharmacist who will get rid of it safely.
Do not store above 25°C (room temperature). Store in the original container/package.
Protect from light.
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6. FURTHER INFORMATION
The active substance in Cytacon® Tablets is cyanocobalamin BP.
Cytacon® Tablets also contains lactose, maize starch, magnesium stearate and
purified water. The film coating includes hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose,
acetylated monoglyceride, speed colour white 27120 anstead HSE, isopropyl alcohol
and dichloromethane.
What Cytacon® Tablets look like and contents of pack
The tablets are engraved 'Cytacon®' on one face and plain on the reverse.
Cytacon® Tablets are available in container packs of 50 and 100 tablets and blister
packs of 28, 56 and 112 tablets (not all pack sizes may be marketed).
Marketing authorization holder
Goldshield Group PLC,
NLA Tower, 12-16 Addiscombe Road,
Croydon, Surrey, CR0 0XT, UK.
Manufacturer
Custom Pharmaceuticals Ltd.,
Conway Street, Hove,
East Sussex, BN3 3LW, UK
This leaflet was last revised in March 2009
XXXXX/LF/A
® Cytacon is a registered trademark of Goldshield Group PLC
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