Long term therapy of pernicious anaemia with the depot cobalamin preparation betolvex.

The value of a depot cobalamin preparation Betolvex (cyanocobalamin-tannin complex suspended in a sesame-oil aluminum-monostearate gel) in the maintenance therapy of pernicious anaemia was investigated in 120 patients followed up for between 8 and 15 years. Complete haematological remission was maintained in all patients, and none developed B12 neuropathy after the start of treatment. No side-effects were observed. The mean values of S-cobalamin were above the reference limits when 1 mg cobalamin was given every 2 months, and high within the reference limits when given at 3 monthly intervals. The cobalamin content in the liver tissue in 2 patients who had received 1 mg cobalamin every 3 months for 6 years revealed normal values. Thus, 1 mg of the depot cobalamin preparation given at intervals of 3 months should provide adequate maintenance therapy in pernicious anaemia.