Last update
5/27/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 6 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin B₁₂ (as Methylcobalamin)
1,000 mcg
41,667%
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
Nerve repair
8 people found this helpful
Methyl cobalamin is essential to take for at least a week when shingles occur. It's the only substance that repairs nerve coverings, and I keep some on hand. It works as effectively as a B12 injection, at a mere ten pence per dose.
Read More
7
Pain relief noted
5 people found this helpful
For those who endure postherpetic neuralgia! It was suggested that it could be effective as a substitute for medication when suffering from Shingles, so I purchased it to see if it would alleviate the neuralgia that persisted even after three years of the illness. I took two tablets daily, in the morning and evening, and felt improvement. After losing one tablet, I reduced to one, and noticed a return of pain and itching. Taking two tablets was undoubtedly more effective. I wish I had discovered sooner that the neuralgia might have disappeared post-illness, but I would certainly consider repeating the treatment once it vanishes.
Read More
8
Pain relief
2 people found this helpful
I have been using this product for years, learning that cobalamin is vital for recovery from illness. When I developed shingles, I increased my intake and saw the growth of new shingles stop, with healing occurring without blistering. The pain subsided after taking one tablet daily, so I didn't need to go to the hospital; this product is fantastic!
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 6 Reviews
7.9
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
8
Nerve repair
8 people found this helpful
Methyl cobalamin is essential to take for at least a week when shingles occur. It's the only substance that repairs nerve coverings, and I keep some on hand. It works as effectively as a B12 injection, at a mere ten pence per dose.
Read More
7
Pain relief noted
5 people found this helpful
For those who endure postherpetic neuralgia! It was suggested that it could be effective as a substitute for medication when suffering from Shingles, so I purchased it to see if it would alleviate the neuralgia that persisted even after three years of the illness. I took two tablets daily, in the morning and evening, and felt improvement. After losing one tablet, I reduced to one, and noticed a return of pain and itching. Taking two tablets was undoubtedly more effective. I wish I had discovered sooner that the neuralgia might have disappeared post-illness, but I would certainly consider repeating the treatment once it vanishes.
Read More
8
Pain relief
2 people found this helpful
I have been using this product for years, learning that cobalamin is vital for recovery from illness. When I developed shingles, I increased my intake and saw the growth of new shingles stop, with healing occurring without blistering. The pain subsided after taking one tablet daily, so I didn't need to go to the hospital; this product is fantastic!
Read More
7
Stiffness reduction
I typically use 500mcg of cherry flavour, which is easier to take. I discovered mecobalamin during my shingles experience, and I've used it for years. Thanks to this product, I've alleviated my stiff neck and shoulders.
Read More
5
Minimal relief noted
For post-shingles neuralgia, I’m uncertain of its true effectiveness, but it appears to have provided some slight relief. I also recommend it for stiff shoulders!
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
8
Pain relief
2 people found this helpful
I have been using this product for years, learning that cobalamin is vital for recovery from illness. When I developed shingles, I increased my intake and saw the growth of new shingles stop, with healing occurring without blistering. The pain subsided after taking one tablet daily, so I didn't need to go to the hospital; this product is fantastic!
8
Nerve repair
8 people found this helpful
Methyl cobalamin is essential to take for at least a week when shingles occur. It's the only substance that repairs nerve coverings, and I keep some on hand. It works as effectively as a B12 injection, at a mere ten pence per dose.
7
Stiffness reduction
I typically use 500mcg of cherry flavour, which is easier to take. I discovered mecobalamin during my shingles experience, and I've used it for years. Thanks to this product, I've alleviated my stiff neck and shoulders.
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.
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.
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
Vitamin B12 shows limited effectiveness
We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of combining methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, with lidocaine in treating acute herpetic neuralgia, commonly linked to shingles. Our study involved 204 participants over 50 years old, who were divided into groups based on the timing of their symptoms.
The treatment groups received local injections of both methylcobalamin and lidocaine for 14 days, while the control groups received intramuscular methylcobalamin plus local lidocaine. We evaluated treatment outcomes by measuring rash healing time, pain intensity, and overall quality of life. Interestingly, while pain reduction was significant in the treatment groups, rash healing time did not differ much between them.
The findings revealed that although the combination treatment led to improvements in pain and quality of life, the effects of vitamin B12 alone on shingles were not fully separable from those of lidocaine. Therefore, while we observed benefits associated with the combination therapy, we cannot definitively claim that vitamin B12 alone significantly aids in shingles recovery.
The treatment groups received local injections of both methylcobalamin and lidocaine for 14 days, while the control groups received intramuscular methylcobalamin plus local lidocaine. We evaluated treatment outcomes by measuring rash healing time, pain intensity, and overall quality of life. Interestingly, while pain reduction was significant in the treatment groups, rash healing time did not differ much between them.
The findings revealed that although the combination treatment led to improvements in pain and quality of life, the effects of vitamin B12 alone on shingles were not fully separable from those of lidocaine. Therefore, while we observed benefits associated with the combination therapy, we cannot definitively claim that vitamin B12 alone significantly aids in shingles recovery.
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
