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Calomist

Generic name: cyanocobalamin (nasal) [sye-AN-oh-koe-BAL-a-min]
Drug class: vitamins

What is CaloMist?

Calomist contains cyanocobalamin (a synthetic form of vitamin B12). Vitamin B12 plays a role in growth, cell division, blood formation, and the synthesis of proteins and tissues. Calomist nasal spray is used to treat vitamin deficiency among people with pernicious anemia and other conditions. Calomist nasal spray is typically given after the injection form of this medication. Calomist can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Warnings

This medicine should not be used if you suffer from Leber's or are allergic to cobalt. Calomist is required to be used regularly for the rest of your life in order to treat pernicious anemia. Non-use of the medication may cause irreversible damage to your spinal cord.

Folic acid is used to treat pernicious anemia and maintain the red blood cell count. Folic acid does not cure vitamin B12 deficiencies or prevent spinal cord damage. Follow all instructions on your medication.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience nasal congestion or allergies. Congestion can make nasal sprays less effective.

Before you take this drug

Calomist should not be used if you're allergic to cobalt or cyanocobalamin or have Leber disease (a form of inherited vision loss). Leber's patients can develop optic nerve damage and possibly blindness if they use cyanocobalamin.

Tell your doctor about any of the following conditions to ensure that calomist will be safe for you:

  • Cold or allergy symptoms affecting your nose (sinus congestion, sneezing);
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Iron or Folic Acid Deficiency
  • Any type of infection
  • If you receive any treatment or medication that can affect your bone marrow,

Calomist is in FDA pregnancy category C. There is no information on whether calomist can harm a developing baby. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. The cyanocobalamin may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a nursing infant. If you are breastfeeding a child, be sure to inform your physician. This medication should not be given to anyone younger than 18 without consulting a doctor.

How to take CaloMist?

Calomist nasal spray is typically given once a week. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or extend use beyond its specified timeline.

The instructions that come with this medicine include information on how to use it safely and effectively, as well as instructions for priming the nasal aerosol. Please follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use nasal spray

  • Blow your nose softly. Insert the bottle tip into one nostril while keeping your head up. Your finger should be used to close the other nostril. Spray the medication into your nose while gently sniffing. Spray the medicine into your other nostril.
  • After using nasal spray, do not blow your nose.
  • After using calomist, wait several hours before taking any other nasal medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • Use a tissue to clean the spray tip, and then recap.

Inform your doctor if the sinus congestion is a long-term illness. Calomist may not work well if your nose is stuffy.

Your dose may fluctuate if you become pregnant, breastfeeding, or adopt a vegetarian lifestyle.Inform your doctor of any changes to your diet or health condition.

You may need to have blood tests performed every 3 to 6 months while using calomist. Your doctor may change your dosage or prescribe a cyanocobalamin shot based on the results. Calomist nasal spray should be used regularly for maximum benefit. Refill your prescription before you run out.

You may need to take cyanocobalamin for the rest of your life in order to treat pernicious aemia. You should not stop taking the medication unless you are told to by your doctor. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause a recurrence of anaemia or irreversible nerve injury.

Folic acid is used to treat pernicious anaemia and maintain the red blood cell count. Folic acid does not cure vitamin B12 deficiencies or prevent spinal cord damage. Follow all instructions on your medication. Store upright at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately; otherwise if your next scheduled dosage is approaching quickly, skip this missed dosage and continue as normal. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Calomist should not be used within an hour of drinking hot liquids or eating hot foods. Calomist can cause alcohol poisoning.

Side effects of  CaloMist

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of low potassium—confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.

Calomist can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Runny nose and sneezing
  • Sore throat, stuffy nose, sore sinuses, mucus in the cough
  • Headache, dizziness;
  • Joint pain;
  • Itching or rash

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for any inquiries about FDA reporting of side effects call them on 1800FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements, may also interact with cyanocobalamin. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.