Neo cytamen

[Maadkins]

My b12 injections were changed to cobalamin h 12 weeks ago but I have a reaction to them. My doctor tried to print a prescription for neo cytamen but his computer said he could no longer issue this on NHS. Does anyone know why? I live in Scotland.

[Maadkins]

Sorry, meant to say changed to cobalin h. Brain fog, probably

[fbirder]

Cobalin-H is the only hydroxocobalamin I've encountered that has sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate as an excipient. It's listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) but I suppose it could provide a reaction in some people.

Neo-Cytamen has just sodium chloride and acetic acid (salt and vinegar) as excipients. Why it's no longer available, I can't guess. But other brands should be similar.

[fbirder in reply to fbirder]

The most recent (two weeks ago) batch I got from the NHS were made by Auden McKenzie and has the same ingredients as Neo-Cytamen.

[Maadkins in reply to fbirder]

Thanks for your help. I'm waiting on doc phoning me as he has sent an email to one of the pharmacists. When he does I will tell him about Auden McKenzie. Just hope I can get a prescription in time for my next injection.

[Maadkins in reply to fbirder]

Since I started on cobalin h I have had dry red patches appear on my face round my eyes and ears. I also have had daily headaches. The only b12 that seems to be coming up on gp's computer is that one. It seems I can only get neo cytamen on private prescription but my doc doesn't do private.

[fbirder in reply to Maadkins]

It's strange that there's only the one listed. The BNF lists 9 different manufacturers that are licensed to supply hydroxocobalamin.

I wonder if it's ordered centrally in bulk. So there's only one particular type available in a particular region at any one time.

It might be that a chemist outside of that region, but not too far away, may be able to supply a different brand if you went armed with a prescription for hydroxocobalamin.

[Maadkins in reply to fbirder]

My husband spoke to our chemist about it and he said he has to take what his supplier gives him and it's whatever is cheapest at the time. When I eventually manage to get a new prescription I will try a different chemist and keep trying until I get the right stuff.

It gets so frustrating but thank goodness for the help and kindness of the people on this site.👍

[Maadkins in reply to fbirder]

Problem solved ,I hope.

Phoned a different pharmacist outside of my village. They stock hydroxo by Auden McKenzie. Pestered doctors surgery and they will have a prescription ready for Monday. They also said that Neo Cytamen is not usually dispensed any longer which they think is why doc couldn't get it on his computer.

Thanks to you and clivealive for your info.

[clivealive Forum Support]

I've been on "Cytamen" (or cyanocobamalin) for 45 years and as far as I'm aware "Neo Cytamen" was the name for hydroxocobamalin when it was introduced in the 1980s which when I was "tried" on it I had an allergic reaction to it and couldn't cope with the three months intervals having had cyyano every for weekf for about 15 years.

I'm still on cyanocobamalin although the "computer" when it's time for my "review" tries to change it to hydroxo. When I asked my doctor why this was she said the "computer" searches for old, out of date or cheaper medications and swaps them.

[Maadkins]

The b12 I used to get just had hydroxocobamalin on the box and I never had any problem with that. My prescription usually has that on it as well but the local chemist only goes for the cheapest available. You would think they were issuing gold dust instead of something that costs less than £1 per injection.

I would happily pay to get the right medication but we don't even have much in the way of private doctors where I live in Scotland except BUPA which costs a fortune just for the initial consultation..

[Nackapan in reply to Maadkins]

I realise an old post. Just to say I also had a bad reaction to Cobalin-H

I'm fine on:

Cyamen

Accord

Gerot and lanoch

And Rotrxmedica depot I buy

Not heard of

Auden Mckenzie!

[Maadkins]

Thanks Eaoz.

Fortunately I have found a chemist in the next town who will provide the type I used to get.

I'm afraid that if I get it on line my surgery would refuse to inject it and at the moment I don't want to self inject as I am fortunate enough to get my injections every six weeks. Would be happier with every four weeks but that's not possible.

[Nackapan in reply to Maadkins]

I also had a bad reaction to cobalamin H . Glad to have found thus old post .Thought I was going mad.

I tolerate neo cytamen

Gerot and Lannoch

Accord

And the German Rotexmedica

As all very similar additives