Mecovate

So you got prescribed Mecovate? It’s got this thing called Mecobalamin in it – that’s just a fancy name for B12 that actually works in your body. Maybe your hands and feet have been feeling weird, all tingly and stuff. Or maybe your doctor said your blood isn’t quite right because you don’t have enough B12. Either way, that’s probably why you’re here reading this.

When doctors give you this stuff

Two main reasons doctors hand out Mecovate:

• Your nerves are acting up – pain, can’t feel things right, that annoying pins and needles thing
• Your blood test came back showing you’re anemic and it’s because you’re short on B12

What’s it actually doing

Look, Mecobalamin is just B12 that your body doesn’t have to mess around with first. It goes straight to work.

Here’s the deal – your body takes this stuff called homocysteine and turns it into methionone. Sounds boring but it keeps your nerves from falling apart. It also helps make the DNA and proteins that every single cell in your body needs. And if you’re on some heavy cancer drugs, this stuff can protect your nerves from getting damaged.

Bottom line – it feeds your blood and nerves the stuff they’re hungry for.

How many pills

Each pill has 500 mcg in it. Your doctor’s going to tell you how many and how often. Don’t get creative here – what works for your neighbor might be totally wrong for you.

Stuff that might happen

Most people take this without any drama. But sometimes you might get:

• Your stomach acting up – feeling sick, not hungry, runny bathroom trips
• Your skin getting mad – rashes, itchy spots

Other pills that mess with this one

If you’re taking any of these, make sure your doctor knows:

• Neomycin or colchicine
• Aminosalicylic acid
• Those acid pills for your stomach
• Birth control
• Chloramphenicol shots

When to skip it

Got an allergy to Mecobalamin or any other B12 stuff? Then don’t take this.

Other stuff you should know

If nothing’s getting better after a couple months, something else might be going on. Your doctor needs to dig deeper. Got Leber’s disease or problems with your eye nerves? Be extra careful with this – only take it if your doctor really thinks you should.

Sometimes you’re not just low on B12. You might need iron or folic acid too. Your doctor will figure that out. And hey, bring a list of everything else you’re taking to your appointment.