Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1500 mcg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Vitamin B12 deficiency – from a vegetarian diet, poor absorption, long-term metformin or acid-reducer use, or after stomach surgery; Nerve pain, tingling and numbness (peripheral neuropathy), including diabetic neuropathy.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.34 to ₹17.84 per tablet across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylcobalamin Tablet 1500mcgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹23.44 | ₹2.34 | 19 October 2026 |
| Medoc SL | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 | ₹65.00 | ₹6.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Inlife B12 1500 | Inlife Pharma Pvt Ltd | 60 | ₹469.00 | ₹7.82 | 19 October 2026 |
| Carbamide Forte B12 1500 | Novus Life Sciences Pvt Ltd | 90 | ₹860.00 | ₹9.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nurokind-OD | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 20 | ₹212.12 | ₹10.61 | 19 October 2026 |
| Methico OD | East West Pharma | 10 | ₹178.43 | ₹17.84 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Vitamin B12 deficiency – from a vegetarian diet, poor absorption, long-term metformin or acid-reducer use, or after stomach surgery.
- Nerve pain, tingling and numbness (peripheral neuropathy), including diabetic neuropathy.
- Anaemia due to low B12, with tiredness and breathlessness.
- Supporting nerve health in older adults and people on long-term vegetarian diets.
How to take it
Take one tablet once a day, or as your doctor advises, with or without food. Many 1500 mcg tablets are made to dissolve under the tongue (SL) or in the mouth (OD) – let these melt rather than swallowing. Treatment of a confirmed deficiency usually lasts for several months and may continue long-term if the cause is permanent (strict vegetarian diet, metformin, gut surgery). Severe deficiency with nerve symptoms or anaemia is often started with injections before switching to tablets. Get your B12 level rechecked after about 3 months.
Side effects
Common
- Mild nausea or upset stomach.
- Headache.
- Mild diarrhoea.
- Itching or mild rash (uncommon).
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Serious allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing (very rare).
- Low potassium when severe anaemia is corrected rapidly – muscle weakness, palpitations.
- Swelling of the legs or breathlessness (rare, usually with injections).
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but heavy drinking lowers B12 absorption and damages nerves; it works against the treatment.
Pregnancy
B12 is needed in pregnancy and breastfeeding and is safe at recommended doses. Tell your doctor so the dose is set correctly along with folic acid.
Kidney problems
Safe in kidney disease; no dose change needed.
Liver problems
Safe in liver disease.
Children
Children with deficiency are treated with doses set by a paediatrician; do not give adult 1500 mcg tablets without advice.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember; if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip it. No harm from a missed day.
Interactions
- Metformin – lowers B12 absorption; long-term users often need B12 supplements.
- Acid-reducers (pantoprazole, omeprazole, ranitidine) – reduce B12 absorption from food.
- Colchicine and some antibiotics – can reduce absorption.
- Folic acid in high doses – can mask B12 deficiency; both are usually given together when needed.
- Vitamin C taken at the same time – may reduce B12 absorption; take an hour apart.
Frequently asked questions
How should I take Nurokind-OD?
One tablet once a day, with or without food. OD tablets are designed to dissolve in the mouth – let it melt on the tongue rather than swallowing whole with water.
Methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin – which B12 is better?
Both correct B12 deficiency. Methylcobalamin is the active form used directly by nerves, which is why it is preferred in India for neuropathy; cyanocobalamin is cheaper and equally effective for anaemia.
How long does it take for Nurokind-OD to work for tingling and numbness?
Tiredness improves within a few weeks, but nerve symptoms can take 3 to 6 months to settle and may not recover fully if the deficiency was long-standing.
Can I take Nurokind-OD daily for life?
If the cause is permanent – a strict vegetarian diet, long-term metformin or gut surgery – long-term supplementation is safe. B12 is water-soluble and excess is passed in urine.
Is methylcobalamin 1500 mcg safe in pregnancy?
Yes, at recommended doses. B12 is important for the baby's nervous system and is usually taken along with folic acid; tell your doctor so the dose is right.
Do vegetarians need B12 tablets?
B12 comes mainly from animal foods, so vegetarians – especially vegans – are at high risk of deficiency. A yearly blood test and a supplement when low are sensible.
Can I take Nurokind-OD with metformin?
Yes, and it is often necessary. Metformin lowers B12 absorption over time, so diabetics on metformin should have B12 checked and supplemented when needed.
Do I need a prescription for methylcobalamin 1500 mcg?
No, B12 tablets are available over the counter. It is still worth checking your B12 level, because tingling and weakness have other causes that need proper treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Injection (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms