Information on PABRINEX® for Service
Users and their Families
This leaflet provides general information about your medication.
Manufacturer patient information leaflets are also provided with all
medicines. If you require further information, speak to your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse.
Pabrinex ® is an injection that contains a combination of vitamins B
and C.
Pabrinex® is pronounced:
Pab-ree-nex.
Reviewed by:
DTC
On:
January 2014
Next Review:
January 2017
The Mersey Care Medicines Information Service1 regularly
updates this information sheet.
1
Medicines Information, Pharmacy, Mossley Hill Hospital, Park Avenue, Liverpool L18 8BU
What is Pabrinex® for?
The vitamins contained in Pabrinex® injection (Vitamins B and C)
are used to correct a shortage of these vitamins that commonly
occurs as a result of heavy drinking but also from infections or
other illnesses.
How should I receive Pabrinex®?
Before receiving Pabrinex®, tell your doctor if:
 you are allergic to Pabrinex® or any of its ingredients
 you suffer from any other conditions, especially Parkinson’s
disease, kidney and severe liver problems.
 you take any other medicines, including any medicines,
supplements or herbal remedies that you may have bought
without a prescription
 you are pregnant (or planning pregnancy) or breastfeeding
The doctor will decide how much Pabrinex® is right for you.
Pabrinex® comes in 2 vials which will be mixed by the nurse or
doctor before injection. The injection may be given in two different
places so it is not as painful.
Ask you doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure of
anything.
Do I need any blood tests?
You do not need special blood tests when receiving Pabrinex® but
the doctor may want to check how your liver is working or what the
levels of vitamins in your body are.
How long will I receive Pabrinex® for?
Your doctor will decide how long you should receive the treatment
for. Normally you would get this injection for up to 7 days.
When will Pabrinex® start to work?
The full effect of Pabrinex® may take weeks or even months to
show depending on how low your levels of vitamins are.
Can I take other medicines?
Other prescribed medicines (like levodopa) or non-prescribed
medicines, herbal remedies or health supplements that you can
buy yourself, may interact with Pabrinex® causing unwanted
effects.
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other
medicines.
Are there any side effects?
Pabrinex® may cause side effects in some people, but they may
vary from person to person. Known side effects include:
 pain, swelling or redness around the area of injection
 itchy or spotty rash
 pins and needles
 low blood pressure (which can cause, unsteadiness, dizziness,
light-headedness)
Occasionally more serious side effects can occur. See your doctor
as soon as possible if you develop problems which may need
urgent attention especially if you suffer an allergic reaction to the
injection with chest pains, shortness of breath, swelling of the face
or throat, rash and itching.
If you are concerned about any other side effects, talk to your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
If you think a medicine has caused you an unwanted side effect,
please report the problem either on a Yellow Card form available
from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist OR at this website
http://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.
Can I drive?
Pabrinex® does not usually affect your ability to drive and use
machinery. However, if your illness or other medication you are
taking makes you tired, sleepy or affects your concentration or coordination, you should not drive or work with machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
Do not drink alcohol whilst taking Pabrinex®. Alcohol may further
reduce the levels of vitamins in your body.
Can I get pregnant or breast-feed?
If you are pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding you should seek advice from your doctor. You and your
doctor or specialist will decide if the potential benefits of treatment
outweigh the potential risks to the baby.
What alternative treatments are there?
If you need vitamins over a long period of time, you may be offered
vitamin tablets like multivitamins, vitamin B complex or thiamine.
IMPORTANT
Remember to keep medicines where children cannot see or reach
them. Never share medicines with others even if their symptoms
appear the same as yours.
NEVER EXCEED THE STATED DOSE OF YOUR MEDICINE