Last update
6/10/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 16 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veggie Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
1,500 mcg
62500%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
Meta-analysis confirms B12 reduces shingles nerve pain
Researchers analyzed four randomized controlled trials involving 383 participants to determine whether vitamin B12 could help relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—the painful nerve condition that sometimes follows shingles. The results were encouraging: patients receiving B12 experienced significantly greater pain reduction compared to those taking placebo, with improvements also seen in quality of life and reduced need for pain medications.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
Read More
9
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Read More
9
Methylcobalamin injections relieve shingles pain
We conducted a study to see how effective local injections of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, could be in easing pain and enhancing quality of life for people suffering from subacute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition related to shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
8
Significantly improved pain
6 people found this helpful
The improvement in my neuralgia has been remarkable, and the value for money is high! Although my shingles was cured not long ago, I still suffered from neuralgia. I searched for this bottle of active vitamin B12, opting for it because it contains no magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide. Additionally, the capsules are small and easy to swallow. After taking them for over a month, the torment of the sequelae neuralgia has noticeably decreased.
Read More
8
Gradual pain relief
6 people found this helpful
After getting shingles, the prescribed medication from the hospital did not alleviate my pain. Knowing B12 was beneficial, I purchased this product. Initially sceptical about its low price and small capsules, I continued to take one each night. There was no immediate effect, but gradually, the pain eased and completely disappeared about two weeks later. Now, I take it twice a week.
Read More
9
Pain reduction
5 people found this helpful
I wanted to cure my piriformis syndrome, so I started taking it and slowly realised how effective it was. When I recommended it to a colleague with Shingles, he was delighted that after taking it for half a month, the pain level reduced from 10 to 2.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.6
- All Researches
9
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Read More
9
We investigated the effects of a combination of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and lidocaine on acute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia, commonly known as shingles. The study involved 98 patients who were divided into two groups based on when their shingles symptoms began—those with symptoms for three days or less and those between four to seven days. Each group was further split into a control group receiving standard treatments and a treatment group receiving the combination therapy locally for a duration of 14 days.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
Read More
9
Methylcobalamin injections relieve shingles pain
We conducted a study to see how effective local injections of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, could be in easing pain and enhancing quality of life for people suffering from subacute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition related to shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Ninety-eight participants over the age of 50, all experiencing significant pain after a shingles rash, were involved in this randomized controlled trial. They received either local methylcobalamin injections, oral methylcobalamin, or lidocaine injections over a four-week period, and we measured various pain levels and quality of life indicators pre- and post-treatment.
The results showed that local methylcobalamin injections significantly reduced overall pain and other pain-related symptoms compared to the other groups. Notably, many participants reported a marked improvement in their daily living activities and overall quality of life. However, it is important to note that oral methylcobalamin did not lead to significant pain relief, which highlights the advantage of local injections over oral treatments in this case.
Overall, we observed that local methylcobalamin injections appear to be an effective and well-tolerated option for treating pain associated with shingles.
Read More
8
Meta-analysis confirms B12 reduces shingles nerve pain
Researchers analyzed four randomized controlled trials involving 383 participants to determine whether vitamin B12 could help relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—the painful nerve condition that sometimes follows shingles. The results were encouraging: patients receiving B12 experienced significantly greater pain reduction compared to those taking placebo, with improvements also seen in quality of life and reduced need for pain medications.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
Read More
8
B vitamins effectively treat shingles symptoms locally
Eighty patients with severe shingles-related itching received four weeks of locally injected treatments in a controlled trial comparing thiamine (B1), cobalamin (B12), lidocaine, or a B1-B12 combination. Thiamine significantly relieved itching, while cobalamin effectively reduced pain, with the combination delivering both benefits.
Within just seven days, all three vitamin treatments showed meaningful relief—thiamine helped 16 patients achieve 30% or greater itch reduction, cobalamin helped 18 patients with pain relief, and the combination benefited 18 with itch reduction and 19 with pain reduction. Importantly, the treatments also improved daily functioning and quality of life. The approach proved tolerable and safe, offering a promising alternative to traditional pain-relieving drugs like lidocaine.
Within just seven days, all three vitamin treatments showed meaningful relief—thiamine helped 16 patients achieve 30% or greater itch reduction, cobalamin helped 18 patients with pain relief, and the combination benefited 18 with itch reduction and 19 with pain reduction. Importantly, the treatments also improved daily functioning and quality of life. The approach proved tolerable and safe, offering a promising alternative to traditional pain-relieving drugs like lidocaine.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 16 Reviews
7.8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
8
Significantly improved pain
6 people found this helpful
The improvement in my neuralgia has been remarkable, and the value for money is high! Although my shingles was cured not long ago, I still suffered from neuralgia. I searched for this bottle of active vitamin B12, opting for it because it contains no magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide. Additionally, the capsules are small and easy to swallow. After taking them for over a month, the torment of the sequelae neuralgia has noticeably decreased.
Read More
8
Gradual pain relief
6 people found this helpful
After getting shingles, the prescribed medication from the hospital did not alleviate my pain. Knowing B12 was beneficial, I purchased this product. Initially sceptical about its low price and small capsules, I continued to take one each night. There was no immediate effect, but gradually, the pain eased and completely disappeared about two weeks later. Now, I take it twice a week.
Read More
9
Pain reduction
5 people found this helpful
I wanted to cure my piriformis syndrome, so I started taking it and slowly realised how effective it was. When I recommended it to a colleague with Shingles, he was delighted that after taking it for half a month, the pain level reduced from 10 to 2.
Read More
7
Pain improved after treatment
4 people found this helpful
After contracting shingles, the herpes zoster cleared immediately with medication, but my nerve pain persisted. I found that vitamin B12 was effective alongside the antiviral treatment, so I started taking it after recovery. Fortunately, my pain improved after about two weeks of consistent use, and I'm continuing it just in case.
Read More
6
Nerve protection hope
1 people found this helpful
I have neuralgia after shingles. Chinese medicine suggests taking B12 to safeguard the nerves. I hope to recover soon and will return to provide my feedback. Thank you, everyone.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
8
Gradual pain relief
6 people found this helpful
After getting shingles, the prescribed medication from the hospital did not alleviate my pain. Knowing B12 was beneficial, I purchased this product. Initially sceptical about its low price and small capsules, I continued to take one each night. There was no immediate effect, but gradually, the pain eased and completely disappeared about two weeks later. Now, I take it twice a week.
8
Effective post-hospital
After being discharged from hospital for shingles, I was prescribed B12 tablets, which I continued to take after leaving since I could no longer receive medication. Fortunately, I have experienced no nerve pain since then, indicating its effectiveness.
7
Aiding nerve rejuvenation
The shingles virus affected the nerves in my right foot, and this has been instrumental in aiding their rejuvenation and resolving the issue.
7
Essential for shingles
I believe it’s effective. The capsules are small and easy to take. Given my tendency to get shingles, B12 is vital for my wellbeing. I feel it works when I take it compared to when I don’t.
9
We conducted a clinical trial to determine how effective local injections of vitamin B12, specifically methylcobalamin, combined with lidocaine, are in treating pain caused by shingles, known as subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). One hundred and five patients participated, each experiencing moderate to severe pain. They were divided into three groups to receive different treatments: a local injection of methylcobalamin and lidocaine, an intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin with local lidocaine, or oral methylcobalamin alongside local lidocaine.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
Throughout the four-week trial, we observed significant pain relief among all groups, but the local injection group reported the most substantial reduction in pain. For example, their pain scores dropped from an average of 6.7 to 2.8, while the other groups showed less improvement. Additionally, most people receiving local injections experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain, which wasn't as pronounced in the other treatment groups.
Those in the local injection group also reported significantly less need for pain relief medication by the end of the study, signaling a potential improvement in their overall quality of life while undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that local methylcobalamin injections, when used with lidocaine, might provide superior pain relief compared to systemic or oral options in patients suffering from shingles-related pain.
9
We investigated the effects of a combination of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and lidocaine on acute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia, commonly known as shingles. The study involved 98 patients who were divided into two groups based on when their shingles symptoms began—those with symptoms for three days or less and those between four to seven days. Each group was further split into a control group receiving standard treatments and a treatment group receiving the combination therapy locally for a duration of 14 days.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
Our findings revealed that the combination treatment significantly reduced pain and improved healing compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received the methylcobalamin and lidocaine mixture experienced faster healing of skin rashes and marked reductions in pain levels. Notably, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles, was also much lower in those receiving the combination treatment, reaching just 2.04% at three months.
This suggests that using vitamin B12 along with lidocaine could be a promising therapeutic option for people suffering from shingles, particularly if applied within the first week of symptom onset. The results highlight not just the treatment’s efficacy in relieving pain but also its potential to enhance overall recovery from this challenging condition.
8
Meta-analysis confirms B12 reduces shingles nerve pain
Researchers analyzed four randomized controlled trials involving 383 participants to determine whether vitamin B12 could help relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—the painful nerve condition that sometimes follows shingles. The results were encouraging: patients receiving B12 experienced significantly greater pain reduction compared to those taking placebo, with improvements also seen in quality of life and reduced need for pain medications.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
While these findings suggest B12 could serve as a valuable complementary treatment for PHN, the researchers emphasized that more research is needed before making definitive clinical recommendations.
References
- Wang JY, Wu YH, Liu SJ, Lin YS, Lu PH. Vitamin B12 for herpetic neuralgia: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:277. 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.10.014
- Xu G, Lv ZW, Xu GX, Tang WZ. Thiamine, cobalamin, locally injected alone or combination for herpetic itching: a single-center randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain. 2014;30:269. 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3182a0e085
- Yu B. Treatment of herpes zoster: recombinant alpha-2a-interferon versus acyclovir and vitamin therapy. Clinical Study Group on Interferon. Chin Med Sci J. 1993;8:38. PubMed
- Xu G, Zhou CS, Tang WZ, Xu J, Xu G, et al. Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial. Pain Pract. 2020;20:838. 10.1111/papr.12909
- Xǔ G, Xu S, Tang WZ, Xú G, Cheng C, et al. Local Injection of Methylcobalamin Combined with Lidocaine for Acute Herpetic Neuralgia. Pain Med. 2016;17:572. PubMed
- X G, Xu S, Cheng C, Xú G, Tang WZ, et al. Local Administration of Methylcobalamin and Lidocaine for Acute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Pract. 2016;16:869. 10.1111/papr.12328
- Xu G, Lv ZW, Feng Y, Tang WZ, Xu GX. A single-center randomized controlled trial of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute herpetic neuralgia. Pain Med. 2013;14:884. 10.1111/pme.12081
- Dehara K, Takeda S, Nakamizo N, Morimoto F, Ikeda T, et al. [Herpes zoster of the right cervical region associated with right facial nerve palsy and hoarseness]. Masui. 1992;41:1322. PubMed
