Methycobal 500mcg Tablet (Red)

Methycobal 500mcg Tablet (Red) is an oral tablet containing mecobalamin 500 mcg per tablet. Mecobalamin (also called methylcobalamin) is one of the two metabolically active coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 used by the body. Methycobal is a brand of Eisai, and in the manufacturer’s product information the tablet is documented for use in peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It should be used according to the label or a doctor’s advice.

Vitamin B12 is required for normal function and myelination of the nervous system, healthy red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. Because mecobalamin is already an active form, it does not need to be converted from another cobalamin form before the body can use it as a coenzyme. The usual adult regimen in the manufacturer’s information is one 500 mcg tablet three times daily (1,500 mcg a day), with the dose adjusted by a doctor according to age and symptoms.

On DoctorOnCall Malaysia, Methycobal 500mcg Tablet (Red) is offered in packs of 10 tablets and 100 tablets. Numbness, tingling, burning sensations or weakness in the hands and feet can have many causes, including diabetes, alcohol use, certain medicines and low vitamin B12 levels, so these symptoms should be assessed by a doctor rather than self-managed. Mecobalamin is light-sensitive, so each tablet should be kept in its blister strip until it is time to take it.

• 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; taking it after meals can help reduce stomach upset.
• Push the tablet out of the blister strip just before taking it. Never swallow the blister foil, as its sharp edges can injure the mouth or throat.
• Space the three daily doses through the day, for example after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not take two doses at once to make up.

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

Duration: The manufacturer advises that if no improvement is seen, the medicine should not be continued for months without purpose. Review your progress with your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after a reasonable period.

Children: Dosing for children has not been established in the product information reviewed; use in children only on a doctor’s advice.

Refer to the expiry date printed on the box and blister strip. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date.

Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Mecobalamin is sensitive to light, so keep the tablets in the original blister strip and box and remove each tablet only when you are about to take it. 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 be a sign of hypersensitivity; stop taking the tablets and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, need urgent medical attention.

• Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to mecobalamin, other forms of vitamin B12 (cobalamins) or any of the inactive ingredients listed on the pack.
• Do not take if you have 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; always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take.
• Metformin and acid-reducing medicines (such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers) can reduce vitamin B12 absorption from food over time; this is a common reason doctors check vitamin B12 levels, so mention these medicines when you are assessed.
• Chloramphenicol may interfere with the red blood cell response to vitamin B12; your doctor will take this into account if you need both.
• Avoid duplicating vitamin B12 from other products (for example B-complex or multivitamin products, or vitamin B12 injections) unless your doctor has advised it.
• Regular heavy alcohol intake can damage nerves and reduce nutrient absorption; limit alcohol while being treated for nerve symptoms.

• Get unexplained numbness, tingling or burning in your hands or feet checked by a doctor so the cause can be identified.
• Take the three daily doses at roughly the same times each day, for example after each main meal, to make them easier to remember.
• Keep tablets in the blister until use, because mecobalamin breaks down when exposed to light.
• If you have diabetes, keep up your blood sugar control and regular foot checks alongside any treatment for nerve symptoms.
• Check the labels of other vitamin products you use so you do not take extra vitamin B12 unknowingly.
• Book a review with your doctor if you notice no improvement, rather than continuing the tablets indefinitely.

Precautions: Methycobal should be used for the labelled purpose and at the labelled dose unless your doctor advises otherwise. If there is no improvement, it should not be continued for months without review. The manufacturer advises that long-term, high-dose use should be avoided in people whose work involves handling mercury or mercury compounds. There is limited specific information on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so speak to your doctor before taking it 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 sores 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 while taking the tablets. People with diabetes, long-term metformin or acid-reducing medicine use, a vegan diet or previous stomach or bowel surgery should ask their doctor whether their vitamin B12 level needs checking.