9.1.2. Drugs used in megaloblastic anaemias
Prescribing Notes:
Used for folate deficiency and prophylaxis for the prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy. To prevent first occurrence of neural tube defects, women planning a pregnancy should take folic acid 400 micrograms daily before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women, who suspect they are pregnant but have not been taking folic acid, should start at once and continue until the 12th week of pregnancy. Women with a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect should take folic acid 5mg daily. Women taking antiepileptic drugs may also be advised to take higher doses of folic acid.
Restrictions:
Prescribing is restricted to a 4 week trial to establish whether vitamin B12 deficiency will respond to dietary adjustment.
Prescribing Notes:
The NHSGGC Guideline for Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency can be found here.
Cyanocobalamin tablets should not be continued long-term for vitamin B12 replacement.