Uses
This medication is used to treat or prevent a lack of thiamine (deficiency) when the form taken by mouth cannot be used or would not work as well as the injection. Thiamine is a B vitamin that helps your body to use carbohydrates for energy. It is also important for normal function of your heart, muscles, and nervous system. Most people get enough thiamine in their diet, but certain health conditions (such as alcoholism, poor nutrition, pregnancy, stomach/intestinal diseases) can cause a deficiency in thiamine. Serious thiamine deficiency can lead to nerve damage, heart failure, and mental/mood conditions (such as confusion, psychosis).
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or vein as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
Pain/redness/soreness at the injection site may occur. This medication may also rarely cause nausea, restlessness, feelings of warmth, sweating, or weakness. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- bluish lips/skin/nails
- dark/tarry stools
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had any previous reaction to thiamine; or if you have any other allergies. Your doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test dose before starting your regular dose. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
This product may contain aluminum, which can rarely build up to dangerous levels in the body. The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in people with kidney disease. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication has not been shown to increase risk to an unborn baby when given during pregnancy. Although this medication is unlikely to harm an unborn baby, tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as uric acid), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
Overdose with this medication is unlikely. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Thiamine is commonly found in foods such as enriched bread/cereal/pasta, whole grains (especially wheat germ), lean meats (especially pork), fish, dried beans, peas, and soybeans.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Consult your product instructions or pharmacist on when to discard opened containers. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
