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Dietary supplement

B12 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bioclinic Naturals

Lozenge Category: Vitamin
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

B12 is a dietary supplement by Bioclinic Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for treating or preventing b12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, low energy and fatigue.Based on those ingredients, 20 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B12. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of B12 by Bioclinic Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: vitamin B12, a B vitamin your body needs for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. B12 comes as a lozenge that dissolves in your mouth, which allows some absorption directly through the tissues there.

The lozenges also contain several inactive ingredients — lactose, cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate — which are standard tablet binders and fillers.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: B12 support for nerve health and energy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Peripheral neuropathy, Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic neuropathy, Fatigue, Cognitive function — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Effective" for Vitamin B12 deficiency (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Vitamin B12 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Cognitive function, Dementia, Diabetic neuropathy.

The data shows vitamin B12 is effective for treating Imerslund-Grasbeck disease (a rare inherited disorder that affects B12 absorption) and for correcting vitamin B12 deficiency itself. It's listed as likely effective for cyanide poisoning and possibly effective for canker sores and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles).

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

B12 is generally very well tolerated when taken by mouth. Your body excretes excess B12 in the urine, so there's no established upper limit for how much you can safely take.

Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported — mostly rashes or itching — and in one case were tied to a cobalt allergy (since cobalt is part of the B12 molecule). B12 is safe and important in pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended amounts.

If you're pregnant or nursing, follow your provider's guidance on dosing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B12

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Vitamin B12.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 20 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take metformin (Glucophage) for type 2 diabetes, metformin can lower your B12 levels, and adding B12 may help offset that. No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This B12 lozenge is a straightforward, well-tolerated supplement for correcting B12 deficiency or preventing it if you're at risk. If you take metformin for diabetes, your doctor may already be watching your B12 levels — let them know you're adding this supplement.

Check your medications with our tool before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about B12, straight from the product label.

Brand Bioclinic Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 629022094202
Net contents 60 Lozenge(s); 1000 mcg
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2013
DSLD ID 20788
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Lozenge
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for B12 by Bioclinic Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Lozenge(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Lozenge(s)
UPC/BARCODE
629022094202
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B121000 mcg16667%

Other ingredients: Lactose, Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

LOT205370 EXP JA 2013

Methylcobalamin is the form of vitamin B12 that is active in the central nervous system. The liver may not convert cyanocobalamin, the common supplemental form of vitamin B12, into adequate amounts of methylcobalamin needed for proper neuronal functioning. The lozenges dissolve quickly in the mouth and are easy to take. Vitamin B12 supplementation is of particular importance to vegetarians and those suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.*

PRODUCT OF CANADA

{recycle} Recyclable container.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 lozenge per day or as directed by a health care professional. Chew or hold in mouth until dissolved.

Formulation

Contains no artificial preservatives, colors or sweeteners; no corn, gluten, soy, starch, wheat or yeast.

Precautions

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

TRUSTED PURE POTENT TESTED

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bioclinic Naturals(TM) products are guaranteed to meet or exceed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the Canadian Government and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations of Australia-among the world's highest standards for natural products.

Formula

Methylcobalamin Biologically Active Form of B12

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

General

R1

See for yourself

B12 by Bioclinic Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in B12 by Bioclinic Naturals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Lozenge(s) Dosage formLozenge Amounts shown are per serving.

Vitamin B12

Interacts with
20 drugs
1000 mcg per serving Form: Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient your body needs to make red blood cells, keep nerves healthy, and support DNA. Supplements are very h...

Vitamin B12 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Lactose, Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

B12 by Bioclinic Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against B12?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
20Drugs
20 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in B12 with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Vitamin B121 drug type · 20 drugs

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin, a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some individuals. Prolonged use of metformin can interfere with the absorption of B12 in the digestive system, potentially leading to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for B12, from the product label.

Bioclinic Naturals

See all Bioclinic Naturals products
Name
Bioclinic Naturals(TM) U.S.
Street Address
1111-80th St. SW, Ste. 100
City
Everett
State
WA
ZipCode
98203
Phone Number
1-877-433-9860
Web Address
www.bioclinicnaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

B12 by Bioclinic Naturals: Common Questions

Does B12 by Bioclinic Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, B12 has a known interaction with 20 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
B12 contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this B12 lozenge work if I take metformin?
Metformin can reduce B12 absorption in your gut over time, so your levels may run low even with this supplement. That's why it's a Minor interaction — you're not in danger, but you and your doctor should monitor your B12 levels to make sure the supplement is keeping up.
Can I take extra B12 if my levels are really low?
B12 has no established upper limit because your body simply removes the excess in urine. That said, if you have a serious deficiency, your doctor may recommend injections rather than lozenges for faster correction — talk to them about what's best for your situation.
Is it safe to take B12 while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. B12 is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is considered safe at recommended amounts. Follow your provider's advice on dosing for your stage.
What are the side effects of this lozenge?
Most people tolerate B12 very well when taken by mouth. Allergic reactions like rashes or itching are rare but have been reported in a small number of people, especially those with a cobalt allergy.
Why would I need B12 if I'm not deficient?
The data shows B12 is effective for treating actual deficiencies and possibly helpful for canker sores and nerve pain after shingles. If you don't have one of those conditions, supplementation beyond what you get from food is generally not needed — talk to your pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if B12 is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

B12 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

B12's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 30 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Vitamin B12 30 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  2. Hartman TJ, Woodson K, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, et al. Association of the B-vitamins pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), B12, and folate with lung cancer risk in older men. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:688-94.. DOI
  3. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  4. Lange H, Suryapranata H, De Luca G, et al. Folate therapy and in-stent restenosis after coronary stenting. N Engl J Med 2004;350:2673-81. PubMed
  5. Collin, S. M., Metcalfe, C., Refsum, H., Lewis, S. J., Zuccolo, L., Smith, G. D., Chen, L., Harris, R., Davis, M., Marsden, G., Johnston, C., Lane, J. A., Ebbing, M., Bonaa, K. H., Nygard, O., Ueland, P. M., Grau, M. V., Baron, J. A., Donovan, J. L., Nea
  6. Geissbuhler, P., Mermillod, B., and Rapin, C. H. Elevated serum vitamin B12 levels associated with CRP as a predictive factor of mortality in palliative care cancer patients: a prospective study over five years. J.Pain Symptom.Manage. 2000;20(2):93-103. PubMed
  7. Salles, N., Herrmann, F., Sakbani, K., Rapin, C. H., and Sieber, C. High vitamin B12 level: a strong predictor of mortality in elderly inpatients. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2005;53(5):917-918.
  8. Looker, H. C., Fagot-Campagna, A., Gunter, E. W., Pfeiffer, C. M., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., Nelson, R. G., Hanson, R. L., and Knowler, W. C. Homocysteine and vitamin B(12) concentrations and mortality rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res R
  9. Uhl, W., Nolting, A., Golor, G., Rost, K. L., and Kovar, A. Safety of hydroxocobalamin in healthy volunteers in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2006;44 Suppl 1:17-28. PubMed
  10. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Barriot, P., Imbert, M., and Bismuth, C. Prospective study of hydroxocobalamin for acute cyanide poisoning in smoke inhalation. Ann Emerg.Med 2007;49(6):794-801, 801. PubMed
  11. Borron, S. W., Baud, F. J., Megarbane, B., and Bismuth, C. Hydroxocobalamin for severe acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion or inhalation. Am J Emerg.Med 2007;25(5):551-558. PubMed
  12. Lewis, J. G. Gout, Steatorrhoea, and Megaloblastic Anaemia. Ann Rheum.Dis 1962;21(3):284-286. PubMed
  13. Tal, S., Shavit, Y., Stern, F., and Malnick, S. Association between vitamin B12 levels and mortality in hospitalized older adults. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(3):523-526. PubMed
  14. Baztan, J. J., Gavidia, J. J., Gomez-Pavon, J., Esteve, A., and Ruiperez, I. High vitamin B12 levels and in-hospital mortality. J Am Geriatr.Soc 2010;58(11):2237-2238. PubMed
  15. Omboni, E., Checchini, M., and Longoni, F. [Hypopotassemia and megaloblastic anemia. Presentation of a case]. Minerva Med 8-31-1987;78(16):1255-1257.
  16. Aalfs As, Scholvinck LH, Horvath B. Acneiform eruption in a 5-year old due to vitamin B12 supplementation. Eur J Dermatol 2013;23(5):726-7. PubMed
  17. Balta I, Ozuguz P. Vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2014;33(2):94-5. PubMed
  18. Carman KB, Belgemen T, Yis U. Involuntary movements misdiagnosed as seizure during vitamin B12 treatment. Pediatr Emerg Care 2013;29(11):1223-4. PubMed
  19. Djuric V, Bogic M, Popadic AP, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to hydroxycobalamin with tolerance to cyanocobalamin. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012;108(3):207-8. PubMed
  20. Kartel O, Gulec M, Demirel F, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy and successful desensitization with cyanocobalamin: A case report. Allergol Immunopath (Madr) 2012;40(5):324-5.
  21. Patiroglu T, Unal E, Yildirim S. Infantile tremor syndrome associated with cobalamin therapy: A case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013;115(9):1903-5. PubMed
  22. Schulte S, Barkema LW, Kardaun SH. Long-lasting atypical acneiform eruption with prominent comedones induced by hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12). J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014;12(6):502-3.
  23. Zanus C, Alberini E, Costa P, et al. Involuntary movements after correction of vitamin B12 deficiency: A video-case report. Epileptic Disord 2012;14(2):174-80. PubMed
  24. Fanidi A, Carreras-Torres R, Larose TL, et al. Is high vitamin B12 status a cause of lung cancer? Int J Cancer. 2019 Sep 15;145(6):1499-1503. PubMed
  25. Fujita Y, Mizukami T, Maya Y, et al. Vitamin B12 allergy manifesting as lymphomatoid contact dermatitis. Eur J Dermatol. 2020;30(3):304-305. PubMed
  26. Dépret F, Hoffmann C, Daoud L, et al. Association between hydroxocobalamin administration and acute kidney injury after smoke inhalation: a multicenter retrospective study. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):421. PubMed
  27. Khairan P, Sobue T, Eshak ES, et al. Association of dietary intakes of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, and methionine with the risk of esophageal cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-based (JPHC) prospective study. BMC Cancer 2021;21(1):982. PubMed
  28. Evans J, Pandya A, Ding Y, Qunibi WY. Hydroxocobalamin-Induced Oxalate Nephropathy in a Patient With Smoke Inhalation. Kidney Int Rep 2021;6(8):2228-2231. PubMed
  29. Lacombe V, Chabrun F, Lacout C, et al. Persistent elevation of plasma vitamin B12 is strongly associated with solid cancer. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):13361. PubMed
  30. Pegalajar-García MD, Cebolla-Verdugo M, Prados-Carmona Á, Llamas-Segura C, Navarro-Triviño FJ. Systemic allergic dermatitis to cobalt present in cyanocobalamin supplementation. Contact Dermatitis 2023;89(3):203-205. PubMed

See these in context on the Vitamin B12 monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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