vitamin B12 1 MG/ML Injectable Solution [Dodex]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray is indicated for: • Vitamin B 12 maintenance therapy in adult patients with pernicious anemia who are in remission following intramuscular vitamin B 12 therapy and who have no nervous system involvement • Treatment of adult patients with dietary, drug-induced, or malabsorption-related vitamin B 12 deficiency not due to pernicious anemia • Prevention of vitamin B 12 deficiency in adult patients with vitamin B 12 requirements in excess of normal Limitations of Use • Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray should not be used for the vitamin B 12 absorption test (Schilling test). • In patients with correctible or temporary causes of vitamin B 12 deficiency, the benefit of continued long-term use of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray following adequate correction of vitamin B 12 deficiency and underlying disease has not been established. • The effectiveness of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray in patients with active symptoms of nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory infection has not been determined. Treatment with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray should be deferred until symptoms have subsided. Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray is a vitamin B 12 indicated for: • Vitamin B 12 maintenance therapy in adult patients with pernicious anemia who are in remission following intramuscular vitamin B 12 therapy and who have no nervous system involvement ( 1 ) • Treatment of adult patients with dietary, drug-induced, or malabsorption-related vitamin B 12 deficiency not due to pernicious anemia ( 1 ) • Prevention of vitamin B 12 deficiency in adult patients with vitamin B 12 requirements in excess of normal ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: • Should not be used for the vitamin B 12 absorption test (Schilling test). ( 1 ) • In patients with correctible or temporary causes of vitamin B 12 deficiency the benefit of continued long-term use following correction of vitamin B 12 deficiency and underlying disease has not been established. ( 1 ) • In patients with active symptoms of nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory infection effectiveness has not been established. ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Prior to treatment, obtain hematocrit, reticulocyte count, vitamin B 12 , folate, and iron levels. ( 2.1 ) • The recommended initial dose is one spray (500 mcg) in one nostril once weekly. ( 2.2 ) • Administer at least one hour before or one hour after ingestion of hot foods or liquids. ( 2.2 ) • Monitor serum B 12 levels periodically. Obtain a serum B 12 level and peripheral blood count one month after treatment initiation, then subsequently at intervals of 3 to 6 months. ( 2.3 ) • If serum levels of B 12 decline after one month of treatment, consider increasing the dose. Assess serum B 12 level one month after each dose adjustment. If serum B 12 levels are persistently low, consider alternative therapy (e.g., intramuscular or subcutaneous vitamin B 12 therapy). ( 2.3 ) • See Full Prescribing Information to see what other therapies should be administered with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Testing and Other Considerations Prior to Dosing Prior to treatment, obtain hematocrit, reticulocyte count, vitamin B 12 , folate, and iron levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Consider the potential for concomitant drugs to interfere with vitamin B 12 and folate diagnostic blood assays [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . In patients with suspected cobalamin hypersensitivity, consider administering an intradermal test dose of parenteral vitamin B 12 prior to use of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage The recommended initial dose of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray is one spray (500 mcg) administered in ONE nostril once weekly. Administer Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray at least one hour before or one hour after ingestion of hot foods or liquids since hot foods may cause nasal secretions and a resulting loss of medication. Defer use of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray in patients with nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, or upper respiratory infections until after symptoms have subsided. 2.3 Monitoring, Dosage Modifications, and Treatment Duration Monitoring for Response and Safety Monitor serum B 12 levels periodically during therapy to establish adequacy of therapy. Obtain a serum B 12 level and peripheral blood count one month after treatment initiation, then subsequently at intervals of 3 to 6 months [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Dosage Modifications If serum levels of B 12 decline after one month of treatment with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray, consider increasing the dose. Assess serum B 12 level one month after each dose adjustment. If serum B 12 levels are persistently low, consider alternative therapy (e.g., intramuscular or subcutaneous vitamin B 12 therapy). Treatment Duration In patients whose underlying cause of vitamin B 12 deficiency has been corrected and are deemed no longer at risk for vitamin B 12 deficiency, discontinue Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray. The safety and effectiveness of continued long-term use in these individuals has not been established. In patients with pernicious anemia, continue appropriate vitamin B 12 treatment indefinitely. 2.4 Administration of Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray with Other Therapy Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray should be administered with other therapy(ies) in: - Patients with concurrent folate and vitamin B 12 deficiency: Administer folic acid in addition to Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray - Patients with concurrent iron and vitamin B 12 deficiency: Administer iron in addition to Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray - Patients with correctible causes of vitamin B 12 deficiency: Consider measures to treat the underlying condition associated with vitamin B 12 deficiency in addition to treatment with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Severe Optic Atrophy in Patients with Leber’s Disease: Patients with early Leber’s disease who were treated with vitamin B 12 suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray is not recommended for use in these patients. ( 5.1 ) • Anaphylactic Reactions: Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. If patients are to start Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray before having tolerated cyanocobalamin parenterally, consider administering an intradermal test dose of parenteral vitamin B 12 to patients suspected of cyanocobalamin hypersensitivity. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) • Masking of Folate Deficiency with Vitamin B 12 Use: Doses of vitamin B 12 exceeding 10 mcg daily may produce hematologic response in patients with folate deficient megaloblastic anemia and may therefore mask a previously unrecognized folate deficiency. Assess both vitamin B 12 and folate levels prior to initiating therapy with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray or with folic acid. ( 5.3 ) • Hypokalemia and Thrombocytosis Due to Intense Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia: Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia that is treated intensely with vitamin B 12 . Monitor serum potassium levels and platelet count during therapy. ( 5.4 ) • Unmasking of Polycythemia Vera: Vitamin B 12 deficiency may suppress the signs of polycythemia vera. Treatment with Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray may unmask this condition. Patients exhibiting clinical or hematologic response consistent with polycythemia vera should be referred for further evaluation. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Severe Optic Atrophy in Patients with Leber’s Disease Patients with early Leber’s disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy) who were treated with vitamin B 12 suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Cyanocobalamin products, including Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray, is not recommended for use in patients with Leber’s optic atrophy. For patients with Leber’s disease requiring vitamin B 12 , consider alternative therapy (e.g., hydroxocobalamin) for B 12 supplementation. 5.2 Anaphylactic Reactions Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. If patients are to start Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray before having tolerated cyanocobalamin parenterally, consider administering an intradermal test dose of parenteral vitamin B 12 to patients suspected of cyanocobalamin hypersensitivity [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.3 Masking of Folate Deficiency with Vitamin B 12 Use Doses of vitamin B 12 exceeding 10 mcg daily may produce hematologic response in patients with folate deficient megaloblastic anemia and may therefore mask a previously unrecognized folate deficiency. Vitamin B 12 is not a substitute for folic acid [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Assess both vitamin B 12 and folate levels prior to initiating therapy with vitamin B 12 , including Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray, or with folic acid [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 5.4 Hypokalemia and Thrombocytosis Due to Intense Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia that is treated intensely with vitamin B 12 . Hypokalemia and thrombocytosis can occur upon conversion of severe megaloblastic anemia to normal erythropoiesis with vitamin B 12 therapy. Therefore, serum potassium levels and platelet count should be monitored carefully during therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.5 Unmasking of Polycythemia Vera Vitamin B 12 deficiency may suppress the signs of polycythemia vera. Treatment with vitamin B 12 may unmask this condition. Patients exhibiting clinical or hematologic response consistent with polycythemia vera should be referred for further evaluation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Sensitivity to cobalt and/or vitamin B 12 is a contraindication. WARNINGS: Patients with early Leber's disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy) who were treated with cyanocobalamin suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia which is treated intensely. Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. An intradermal test dose is recommended before Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is administered to patients suspected of being sensitive to this drug. This product contains Benzyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants. This product contains aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Premature neonates are particularly at risk because their kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Vitamin B 12 is essential to growth, cell reproduction, hematopoiesis, and nucleoprotein and myelin synthesis. Cyanocobalamin is quantitatively and rapidly absorbed from intramuscular and subcutaneous sites of injection; the plasma level of the compound reaches its peak within 1 hour after intramuscular injection. Absorbed vitamin B 12 is transported via specific B 12 binding proteins, transcobalamin I and II to the various tissues. The liver is the main organ for vitamin B 12 storage. Within 48 hours after injection of 100 or 1,000 mcg of vitamin B 12 , 50 to 98% of the injected dose may appear in the urine. The major portion is excreted within the first eight hours. Intravenous administration results in even more rapid excretion with little opportunity for liver storage. Gastrointestinal absorption of vitamin B 12 depends on the presence of sufficient intrinsic factor and calcium ions. Intrinsic factor deficiency causes pernicious anemia, which may be associated with subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Prompt parenteral administration of vitamin B 12 prevents progression of neurologic damage. The average diet supplies about 5 to 15 mcg/day of vitamin B 12 in a protein-bound form that is available for absorption after normal digestion. Vitamin B 12 is not present in foods of plant origin, but is abundant in foods of animal origin. In people with normal absorption, deficiencies have been reported only in strict vegetarians who consume no products of animal origin (including no milk products or eggs). Vitamin B 12 is bound to intrinsic factor during transit through the stomach; separation occurs in the terminal ileum in the presence of calcium, and vitamin B 12 enters the mucosal cell for absorption. It is then transported by the transcobalamin binding proteins. A small amount (approximately 1% of the total amount ingested) is absorbed by simple diffusion, but this mechanism is adequate only with very large doses. Oral absorption is considered too undependable to rely on in patients with pernicious anemia or other conditions resulting in malabsorption of vitamin B 12 . Cyanocobalamin is the most widely used form of vitamin B 12 , and has hematopoietic activity apparently identical to that of the antianemia factor in purified liver extract. Hydroxycobalamin is equally as effective as cyanocobalamin, and they share the cobalamin molecular structure.