FOI2026/00765 - Injectable B12 Veterinary Classification and Human Use
Published 13 July 2026
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1. Your request
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Background
Injectable hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin products formulated for veterinary use are available in the United Kingdom without a prescription, including via online veterinary pharmacies and agricultural suppliers. The equivalent products formulated for human use are classified as prescription-only medicines (POM) under Regulation 62(3) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
This regulatory divergence has practical consequences for human patients who cannot access adequate treatment through NHS prescribing. There is evidence within patient communities that some individuals are sourcing veterinary injectable B12 products for self-administration as a direct result of this access barrier.
Please provide:
A list of all injectable hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin products currently authorised for veterinary use in the UK, including their authorisation classification (POM-V, NFA-VPS, or other), the authorisation holder, and the date of authorisation.
Any internal assessments, advice, briefing notes, or correspondence held by the VMD that addresses the difference in regulatory classification between veterinary and human injectable B12 products, including any consideration of the implications of that difference.
Any evidence held by the VMD that it is aware of human patients sourcing veterinary injectable B12 products for self-administration, including any adverse event reports, safety signals, or correspondence relating to this.
Any communications between the VMD and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regarding the classification of injectable B12 products and the implications of the divergence in veterinary and human regulatory status.
Any horizon-scanning reviews, internal papers, or correspondence in which the VMD has considered whether the current classification of veterinary injectable B12 products remains appropriate, from January 2010 to the present date.
2. Our reply
The VMD operates under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR), which are distinct from the framework for human medicines. As a result, when we assess a veterinary product, we are legally required to apply veterinary-specific criteria only, not cross‑compare with human medicines. Therefore, we have no information relating to internal assessment or communications with the MHRA regarding classifications.
We have searched both our enforcement and adverse event records and confirm we have no record of any evidence suggesting people are sourcing veterinary injectable B12 products for self-injection.
All veterinary injectable B12 products are prescription only. Sourcing these products for self-administration is illegal and we welcome reports of suspected illegal activity. Report illegal animal medicines - GOV.UK
Our Product Information Database contains information about veterinary medicines authorised in Great Britain and Northern Ireland including their authorisation classification, the authorisation holder, and the date of authorisation. Here we also publish Public Assessment Reports which provides a summary of the scientific assessment carried out by VMD when granting a Marketing Authorisation (MA).