Last update
5/11/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Folate
167 mcg DFE(100 mcg folic acid)
42%
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin)
1 mg (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
9
Prevention and treatment
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
Read More
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
Read More
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
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
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Prevention and treatment
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
Read More
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
Read More
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
Read More
6
Occasional use noted
Good product. Nice taste. I need it occasionally, especially for shingles, and it serves its purpose well.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Prevention and treatment
Excellent! These tasty, healthy candies are wonderful for my children. We use them for both prevention and treatment of shingles, making them a vital component when the children are unwell.
7.5
Essential for recovery
Wonderful! During my shingles treatment at the hospital, I was prescribed B-12, an essential vitamin for nervous system recovery. I've been taking B-12 supplements ever since and will continue to do so to prevent neuralgia.
7.5
Helps nervous system
The taste is sweet. My mother has shingles, and eating this together aids her nervous system recovery. Its effects and efficacy are excellent.
6
Occasional use noted
Good product. Nice taste. I need it occasionally, especially for shingles, and it serves its purpose well.
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.
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.
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
