There are concerns about adherence to oral treatment, for example, if the person: Is older, is or has recently been in hospital and has either multimorbidity or frailty
As we get older, our ability to absorb nutrients through digestion decreases
When to seek medical help See a doctor promptly if you have spreading redness or warmth around the site, discharge or a fever, numbness or weakness that does not settle, or any swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing, which can signal a rare allergic reaction and is a medical emergency
Conditions like pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition affecting a protein called intrinsic factor vital for B12 absorption), stomach issues (such as from reduced stomach acid or certain medications like proton pump inhibitors), intestinal disorders (like Crohns disease or coeliac disease), or even surgical removal of parts of the small intestine (e.g., gastric bypass surgery) can prevent proper absorption