Methylcobalamin B12 (Methicobal) 500 mcg (0.5 mg), 50 ampoules: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Methylcobalamin B12 (Methicobal) 500 mcg (0.5 mg), 50 ampoules. Active substance: Метилкобаламин (витамин B12) / Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12).
- What it is: methylcobalamin, one of the active forms of vitamin B12, as an injection solution.
- Presentation: 500 mcg (0.5 mg) ampoules, 50 ampoules per pack.
- Status: prescription-only medicine.
- Research: meta-analyses and randomised work in neuropathy, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) |
|---|---|
| Form | Solution for injection |
| Strength | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) per ampoule |
| Pack size | 50 ampoules |
| Manufacturer | Japan |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) | 90089 |
What methylcobalamin is
Methylcobalamin is one of the natural forms of vitamin B12, in which cobalamin carries a methyl group. In this product it is supplied as an injection solution in ampoules of 500 mcg, 50 ampoules per pack.
Vitamin B12 exists in several chemical forms. Cyanocobalamin, the familiar pharmacy name, has to be converted in the body into active forms. Methylcobalamin is already one of those active forms, which is why it is used directly, including by injection.
The injectable route is used when vitamin intake through the digestive tract is difficult. Absorption of B12 from food and tablets depends on the stomach and the small intestine, and in some patients that mechanism is impaired.
How methylcobalamin works
A cofactor in metabolism
Methylcobalamin acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of homocysteine into methionine. That reaction drives methyl-group transfer, which is needed for nucleotide synthesis and for the work of nerve cells.
The myelin sheath
Vitamin B12 takes part in maintaining myelin, the sheath that insulates a nerve fibre. Its condition directly affects how fast a signal travels.
Nerve fibres
In deficiency both peripheral nerves and the posterior columns of the spinal cord suffer. This shows up as numbness, tingling, weakness and poor coordination.
Blood formation
B12 is required for normal red-cell production. A long-standing shortage leads to megaloblastic anaemia, in which large immature cells appear in the blood.
Approved uses
The prescribing information names the treatment and prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency, and the megaloblastic anaemia caused by that deficiency.
Neurological conditions linked to a shortage of the vitamin are listed separately: peripheral neuropathy, neuralgia and other disorders in which nerve conduction is disturbed.
The injectable form is regarded as a way to deliver the vitamin past the gastrointestinal tract, which matters when absorption is impaired.
The regimen, the dose and the duration are set by a physician. Vitamin B12 does not replace treatment of the underlying disease and is seen as part of overall care.
What the publications show
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised trials are available in which methylcobalamin was studied in peripheral neuropathy, including the diabetic form. A separate paper in Nutrients deals with vitamin B12 in neuropathic pain.
There is a one-year randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of B12 supplementation in diabetic neuropathy. Other meta-analyses compared methylcobalamin with a combination that includes lipoic acid. A review of the properties of mecobalamin was published in Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Efficacy and Safety of Mecobalamin on Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials., PubMed 32716261 (Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 2020).
- Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Diabetic Neuropathy: A 1-Year, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial., PubMed 33513879 (Nutrients, 2021).
- Meta-analysis of methylcobalamin alone and in combination with lipoic acid in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy., PubMed 23664235 (Diabetes research and clinical practice, 2013).
- Mecobalamin., PubMed 18491996 (Expert opinion on investigational drugs, 2008).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing and monitoring belong to a physician.
- It is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the solution.
- When deficiency is suspected, laboratory confirmation is essential: neurological symptoms can have other causes as well.
- Tell your doctor about every other medicine you take, including vitamins and supplements.
- Any allergic reaction, pain or induration at the injection site should be reported to a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding are discussed with a doctor individually.
Frequently asked
Is methylcobalamin a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a prescription injection solution and is not intended for use on one's own.
Why does this page not give a dosing schedule?
The dose and duration depend on the vitamin level, the cause of the deficiency and the patient's condition. A physician sets them.
How does this form differ from cyanocobalamin?
Methylcobalamin is already an active form, whereas cyanocobalamin has to be converted in the body.
Where does the order ship from?
Shipping and customs handling are described on the APV Pharmacy delivery page.