Known Cobalt Allergy?Discuss Your Prescribed B12 Treatment
Bloating & DigestionArticleTell the prescriber about your allergy and ask for an individual treatment and reaction plan.
In this article
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction during B12 treatment, such as an extensive or blistering rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing or feeling faint. Talk to a healthcare professional about allergic skin reactions such as a rash or hives.1
“Does my allergy matter for this medicine?”
Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin, medicines used for B12 deficiency, contain cobalt. The MHRA1 advises people with known cobalt allergy to speak with their doctor or healthcare professional if prescribed B12.1
“How does my previous reaction affect the plan?”
Describe your previous allergic reaction. Cobalt allergy involving only skin symptoms does not automatically rule out B12 treatment. A previous serious allergic reaction requires an individual assessment of benefits and risks before treatment starts.1
“Whom should I contact about a new reaction?”
Ask your team to explain what to report and whom to contact. If a sensitivity reaction occurs, the clinician assesses the benefits and risks of continuing treatment and any appropriate symptom management.1
Bloated by Dinner includes a Test It list and visit script. Use them to organize the allergy history and questions you want to discuss. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 2023Vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin): advise patients with known cobalt allergy to be vigilant for sensitivity reactions (opens in a new tab)abcde
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