Methycobal 500mcg (Silver) Tablet

Methycobal 500mcg (Silver) Tablet is an oral tablet made by Eisai that contains 500 mcg of mecobalamin per tablet. Mecobalamin, also known as methylcobalamin, is a coenzyme form of vitamin B12 that the body can use directly in nerve and blood cells. In Eisai’s product information, Methycobal tablets are indicated for peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, and should be taken according to the label or a doctor’s advice.

Vitamin B12 takes part in the normal function and maintenance of the nervous system, red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. Because mecobalamin is already a coenzyme form, the body does not need to convert it from another cobalamin before use. The usual adult regimen in the manufacturer’s information is one 500 mcg tablet three times daily, giving 1,500 mcg of mecobalamin a day, and a doctor may adjust this according to the patient’s age and symptoms.

This listing is supplied as a 10-tablet strip. Mecobalamin is sensitive to light, so each tablet should stay in its blister until it is time to take it. Numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness in the hands and feet can be linked to diabetes, alcohol, some medicines, nerve compression or low vitamin B12, so these symptoms need a doctor’s assessment to find the cause before any treatment is chosen.

Take Methycobal exactly as stated on the label or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, preferably after a meal, and do not chew or crush it. Press the tablet out of the blister only when you are ready to take it, and never swallow the blister foil, because its sharp edges can injure the mouth or throat. When taking three doses a day, space them through the day, for example after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Adults: The usual dose in the manufacturer’s product information is one 500 mcg tablet three times daily (1,500 mcg mecobalamin per day). Your doctor may adjust the dose according to your age and symptoms.

Duration: According to the manufacturer, if there is no response after a period of use, the tablets should not be continued aimlessly for months. Arrange a review with your doctor if your symptoms have not improved.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.

Children: A paediatric dose is not established in the product information reviewed; use in children only on a doctor’s advice.

Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep the tablets in the original blister strip and packaging, and remove each tablet only immediately before taking it, as mecobalamin degrades in light. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Uncommon: Loss of appetite.
• Uncommon: Nausea or vomiting.
• Uncommon: Diarrhoea or other stomach discomfort.
• Rare: Skin rash, which may signal hypersensitivity; stop the tablets and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, may indicate a severe allergic reaction and needs urgent medical help.

• Do not take if you are hypersensitive to mecobalamin, any other cobalamin (vitamin B12) or any inactive ingredient listed on the pack.
• Do not take if you previously developed a rash or other allergic reaction after taking Methycobal.

• No clinically significant drug interactions are listed in the manufacturer’s product information reviewed; still tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you use.
• Long-term metformin and acid-reducing medicines (such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers) can lower vitamin B12 absorption from food; mention them to your doctor so your vitamin B12 status can be considered.
• Chloramphenicol can blunt the red blood cell response to vitamin B12; your doctor will consider this if both are needed.
• Avoid taking additional vitamin B12 from B-complex products, multivitamins or injections unless your doctor has advised it.
• Heavy, regular alcohol intake can damage nerves and reduce vitamin absorption; limit alcohol while your nerve symptoms are being managed.

• Ask a doctor to check persistent numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet so the underlying cause is identified.
• Link your three daily doses to meals, such as after breakfast, lunch and dinner, to help you stay consistent.
• Keep tablets inside the blister until use, because light breaks down mecobalamin.
• If you have diabetes, continue good blood sugar control and regular foot checks.
• Read the labels of your other vitamin products so you do not take extra vitamin B12 without knowing.
• Book a follow-up with your doctor if you notice no improvement, instead of continuing the tablets indefinitely.

Precautions: Take Methycobal for its labelled purpose and at the labelled dose unless your doctor advises otherwise, and do not continue it for months if there has been no improvement. The manufacturer advises that long-term, high-dose use should be avoided in people whose work involves handling mercury or mercury compounds. Specific information on use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about any kidney or liver condition and all other medicines you take.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if you have new or worsening numbness, tingling, burning pain, muscle weakness, balance problems or foot wounds that are not getting better, as these need proper assessment. Seek medical help if you develop a rash, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, or any sign of an allergic reaction. People with diabetes, those on long-term metformin or acid-reducing medicines, vegans and people who have had stomach or bowel surgery should ask their doctor whether their vitamin B12 level should be checked.