COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide

COBAFORTE ® is a Cobamamide-based drug.

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Vitamin B12 - Antianemic.

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Directions COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide

COBAFORTE ® is used in the treatment of all states characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency, with particular efficacy for anemic and neurological conditions.

Mechanism of action COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide

Cobamamide is one of the many coenzymatic forms of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which - taken by mouth through COBAFORTE ® - is protected by the intrinsic factor in the gastric environment and subsequently absorbed gradually at duodenal level. Crossing the enterocyte, it is transported in the blood stream, mainly linked to plasma proteins (primarily transcobalamin), to the various organic districts, in particular to the liver, kidney, brain, pancreas and bone marrow, where it tends to settle . The remaining portion, ie the unfixed portion, will be eliminated unchanged through the urine.

Cyanocobalamin and its various active isoforms are cofactors of numerous enzymatic reactions, which include, for example, the synthesis of amino acids such as methionine, homocysteine detoxification, nucleic acid synthesis and energy production.

In the hematopoietic context, cobamamide is of fundamental importance for the synthesis of hemoglobin, so that its deficiencies are associated with a particular form of anemia, known as pernicious anemia, characterized by the reduced maturation of erythrocytes, which appear macrocytic and hyperchromic.

In most cases, the pathology is not so much associated with a nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12, as to a reduction in the production of intrinsic factor by the parietal cells of the stomach, which prevents its correct absorption.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN B12 IN THE ELDERLY

About 10/15% of patients over 60 have a vitamin B12 deficiency, which inevitably affects some very important blood-clinical parameters. First, there is an increase in megalocytic and immature erythrocytes with reduced functional capacity, accompanied by a significant increase in homocysteine, responsible for many cardiovascular diseases. For these patients the need for vitamin B12 increases significantly, so much so that it is difficult to be satisfied by the diet. The integration with this vitamin allows, even in a short time, the recovery of the hematological picture.

2. FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B12 AND CANCER

Several studies and growing experimental evidence have confirmed the hypothesis of a potential preventive role of vitamin B12 on the incidence and progression of some tumor pathologies. This cohort study, in detail, has shown that the high intake of folate and vitamin B12 can be associated with a decrease in the risk of developing breast cancer.

3. VITAMIN B12, HOMOCYSTEINE AND ALZHEIMER

Vitamin B12 deficiencies are often associated with important problems in metabolic terms, which also affect the concentration of an important metabolite such as homocysteine.

High concentrations of this molecule have been associated with the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

The correct intake of vitamin B12, and the constant monitoring of its serum levels, could therefore be important in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Method of use and dosage

COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide 2.5 mg capsules : gastrosensitive capsules tend to dissolve easily in the stomach, allowing the release of the active ingredient that will be absorbed intestinal.

The recommended dosage for the adolescent, for the adult and for the elderly, is about 2 capsules a day, taken for about 3/6 weeks.

It is possible to resort to intramuscular administration when the patient has an intrinsic factor deficiency which prevents oral absorption.

Dosages and timing of administration can be changed by the doctor after a careful evaluation of the patient's clinical picture and its therapeutic goals.

IN ANY CASE, BEFORE TAKING COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide - THE REQUIREMENT AND CHECK OF YOUR DOCTOR IS NECESSARY.

Warnings COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide

Before taking COBAFORTE ® it would be necessary to study in detail the anemic picture through blood-clinical analysis, in order to avoid diagnostic and consequently therapeutic errors.

Cobamamide is a highly photosensitive and photolabile molecule; therefore, it would be advisable to provide for the rapid intake once the capsule has been discarded from the blister; for the same reason the vials must necessarily be kept in the dark.

The capsules contain lactose, therefore taking COBAFORTE ® may be associated with gastro-intestinal disorders in patients with glucose-galactose malabsorption or lactase enzyme deficiency.

COBAFORTE ® has absolutely no influence on the ability to drive vehicles and use machinery.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

There are no special restrictions or warnings regarding the use of COBAFORTE ® during pregnancy and lactation, as long as the normal therapeutic doses are respected and there is actually a medical indication for treatment.

Interactions

At the moment there are no known pharmacokinetically interesting or potentially dangerous interactions with the patient's health.

Contraindications COBAFORTE ® Cobamamide

COBAFORTE ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the drug or other various forms of vitamin B12.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

COBAFORTE ® is very well tolerated and rarely associated with gastro-intestinal disorders or acne-related skin eruptions, indicating possible hypersensitivity to the product.

In the latter case, suspension of treatment is strongly recommended.