Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Vitamin B12 as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Vitamin B12 use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking dose of Vitamin B12 with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Vitamin B12 use can also induce stimulation of the bowels and diarrhea. Compliance with proper rehydration and fluid resuscitation measures recommended can help with relief from fluid and electrolyte loss secondary to diarrhea. If you experience any further bothersome diarrhea, report it to your physician for any other measures to be considered.
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Individuals receiving Vitamin B12 shot can present with pain and inflammation, with swelling at the site of injection.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Fluid loss, secondary to the diarrhea the supplement might induce can contribute to low blood pressure numbers and hypotension.
- Compliance with proper rehydration and fluid resuscitation measures recommended can help prevent episodes of hypotension.
- Observing compliance with log maintenance of every day blood pressure readings and reporting any consistent low blood pressure numbers to your physician, can help with any appropriate changes to be made on your plan of care.
