Investigation of the underlying cause of the anaemia is essential.
Folic acid
- Tablets 400micrograms (£2.45 = 90 tablets)
- Tablets 5mg (£0.65 = 28 tablets)
- Oral solution sugar free 2.5mg/5ml (£9.16 = 150ml)
Indications and dose
- Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, oral, 5mg daily for 4 months (until term in pregnant women); up to 15mg daily may be required in malabsorption states
- Prevention of neural tube defects, see Neural tube defects (prevention in pregnancy)
- Prevention of methotrexate-induced side-effects (off-label use), oral, 5mg at least once weekly (more frequent dosing is often routinely recommended, refer to individual methotrexate shared care guidelines / specialist advice). Folic acid should be taken at least 24 hours after previous methotrexate administration. Be aware that methotrexate and folic acid tablets look alike.
- Prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states, oral, 5mg every 1–7 days depending on underlying disease
- Prophylaxis of folate deficiency in dialysis, oral, 5mg every 1–7 days
Notes
- Folic acid should not be used in undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia unless vitamin B12 is administered concurrently, otherwise neuropathy may be precipitated.
- There is no justification for prescribing multiple-ingredient vitamin preparations containing vitamin B12 or folic acid.
Hydroxocobalamin
- Solution for injection ampoules 1mg/1ml (£2.25 = 1ml amp)
Indications and dose
- Pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias without neurological involvement, initially 1mg 3 times a week for 2 weeks then 1mg every 3 months
- Pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias with neurological involvement, initially 1mg on alternate days until no further improvement, then 1mg every 2 months
- Prophylaxis of macrocytic anaemias associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, 1mg every 2–3 months
- Long-term supplementation following gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy: 1mg every 3 months
Notes
- Hydroxocobalamin injections are normally given every three months; more frequent administration is rarely justified.
- MHRA Drug Safety Update (December 2023): Vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin): advise patients with known cobalt allergy to be vigilant for sensitivity reactions.