How To Give Yourself Vitamin B12 Shots
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Have you ever given yourself an injection?
Until recently, I was squeamish when it came to needles. Perhaps necessity is the mother of injection! I now give myself B12 shots weekly and I would never have guessed how easy and pain-free they are.
Why would anyone need Vitamin B12, or want to give themselves B12 shots? Read this article. Youll need to see a doctor to assess your need and to get a prescription for your pharmacy. For me, heading into the cooler months of fall and winter, I benefit from the increased energy levels that B12 provides!
I have also been freed from mild dizzy spells, tingling in my extremities, brain fog, and the minor hair loss associated with an under-functioning thyroid. I am also hoping, long-term, to see improvement in the areas of digestion, insomnia, and SIBO.
The 3 Most Common B12 Injection Sites
There are 3 common B12 injection sites. A licensed practitioner from Invigor Medical can determine which site and method is best for you. They can also determine the right dosage, frequency, and injection site since it depends on your age, health, and comfort level.
Experienced doctors commonly give a B12 shot in the shoulder, but this is more difficult to do if you are just learning. If you are alone, the outer- anterior thigh is likely the easiest way to administer the injection but may cause more discomfort than the upper buttocks.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Vitamin B12 if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or cobalt, or if you have Leber’s disease . Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage in people with Leber’s disease.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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eye problems or Leber’s disease
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iron or folic acid deficiency
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any type of infection or
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if you are receiving any medication or treatment that affects bone marrow.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
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Why Take Vitamin B12 Injections
Some people who do not get enough B12 naturally in their diet. Its no secret that we all live busy lives and often dont have the greatest diets. Some people also have a hard time absorbing vitamin B12 through digestion. Vitamin B12 injections are an effective alternative method to treat symptoms and give your body the vitamin B12 it needs to function. Once you learn the options for B12 injection sites and you realize the benefits and straightforward steps of a vitamin B12 injection, it may be the best solution for you and an easy way to treat the symptoms of conditions such as a vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia.
What Is A B12 Shot
B12 is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in making DNA, maintaining nerve health, and producing red blood cells. If you don’t get enough vitamin B12, you might experience adverse side effects like numbness, tingling, and canker sores.
B12 shots contain about 100 micrograms of B12, which is roughly 40 times the recommended daily value for an average healthy adult .
But these high doses are necessary to help treat people with a deficiency. Especially for those who cannot absorb all of the B12 they ingest due to an underlying condition like inflammatory bowel disease, says Mary Wirtz, a nutrition consultant for Mom Loves Best.
B12 shots are also highly effective. Depending on the individual, they start working within 48 to 72 hours of the first dose, but they might take three months to completely correct a B12 deficiency.
Important: Vitamin B12 is water soluble, meaning any excess is flushed out through urine, and as a result, there’s no real risk of overdose.
A typical dosage regimen starts with higher amounts and gradually tapers off. For example, a doctor might prescribe the following:
- 100 micrograms daily for about a week
- Followed by every other day for seven doses
- After that, every three to four days for two to three weeks
- Once monthly until the deficiency is treated
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B12 Injections: Where To Give Them
The first question to ask yourself is, are you injecting subcutaneously or intramuscularly? We strongly advise readers who buy our B12 to inject SQ. Reason is, IM shots are painful and put people off self-injecting, and theres also a slight risk of nerve injury. In contrast, SQ shots are painless, dont involve any such risk, and are great at delivering B12.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
The following signs may point to your B12 level being low, and a simple diagnostic test can confirm whether the cause of these symptoms is indeed a Vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Odd sensations such as numbness or tingling around your arms, legs, and hands.
- Inability to walk without a struggle due to balancing issues.
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Low energy
- Hair
Your Vitamin B12 deficiency may also be a symptom in itself of other diseases such as SIBO or other gut-related disorders.
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Do You Need Vitamin B12 Injections
If you eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B12, then it is unlikely that youll need to take additional B12.
For most people, dietary sources provide everything that is needed. However, people who are at risk of deficiency will probably need to take supplements.
In these cases, oral supplements may be as effective as injections for many people.
Some experts point out that regular injections should only be used as a last resort if supplements dont work or if deficiency symptoms are serious.
Where To Safely Buy B12 Injections Online
If you are considering using B12 injections it is essential that you only purchase purchase through a safe and reliable source. Verify that you need a prescription. If they do not require a prescription then they are not a safe and reliable source. In certain circumstances, depending on your state laws, some doctors may approve you without a telehealth phone or video consultation. This is done at the doctors discretion and is based on information your medical intake form and due to the low risk of B12 injections.
If you want to Buy B12 Injections Online please consider Invigor Medical. We are a national telehealth clinic where our patients can purchase medications legally and safely online under the direction of a licensed, US based doctor. We also offer:
- Licensed Practitioners in all 50 States
- Partnered FDA Registered National Pharmacies
- Doctors Consultation Included
- High Quality Medications Tested for Purity
To learn more about Invigor Medical and other medications they offer go to InvigorMedical.com.
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Summary Of Main Results
We identified two randomised controlled trials directly relevant to the study question. The follow up period ranged between 90 days to four months. A total of 108 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency participated in these studies. After consideration of study populations, treatments, outcome measures and follow up, we concluded that meta-analysis was not appropriate. A major consideration was heterogeneity of oral treatment regimes and diverse eligibility for study entry.
Description Of The Intervention
Vitamin B12 was first isolated in its cyanoform in 1948 , and is now widely used for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 replacement has been traditionally administered intramuscularly. However several case control and case series studies have since suggested equal efficacy and safety of the oral route . The mechanism for this oral route is most probably that free vitamin B12 can be absorbed both passively as well as actively in the terminal ileum. Passive diffusion accounts for 1.2% of total absorption with a bioavailability unaffected in patients with pernicious anaemia or gastroduodenal surgical resection . High doses of oral vitamin B12 may be able to produce adequate absorption of vitamin B12 even in the presence of IF deficiency and therefore be an alternative to the intramuscular route in many patients. Despite availability in most countries and a very safe track record, vitamin B12 is rarely prescribed in the oral form. In Sweden, however, in the year 2000, oral vitamin B12 accounted for 73% of the total vitamin B12 prescribed . Oral vitamin B12 is also widely used in Canada. Possible reasons for doctors not prescribing oral formulations include unawareness of this option or concerns regarding unpredictable absorption . In the UK, oral vitamin B12 is not currently available on NHS prescription in high dose formulations.
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Intramuscular Vs Subcutaneous Injection
Vitamin B12 injections can be administered as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. The difference between the two is that intramuscular injections are inserted into the muscle, and subcutaneous injections are inserted just below the skin.
An intramuscular injection is absorbed faster because the muscle tissue has more blood supply. However, it means that this method may be more painful and may cause swelling and redness. The advantage of subcutaneous injection is that it is easier to learn at home and less painful. Additionally, a subcutaneous injection uses a shorter needle because it does not need to go deep into the tissues.
However, the manner of administering the injection may change depending on the amount of fat under your skin. You can decide which method to choose depending on which one is more comfortable for you.
Are B12 Injections More Effective Than B12 Supplements
Any oral supplement must be ingested and absorbed through your digestive tract. An injection of B12 is delivered directly into your bloodstream, where it is needed. For most people, a B12 injection will be more effective than taking an oral B12 supplement.
For people with gastrointestinal issues, oral B12 supplements will not be effective.
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Where Should I Keep My Medication
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Precautions To Know Before Giving Vitamin B12 Injection
If deciding to self-administer a B12 injection, an individual should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
- Certain medical issues such as gout, low potassium, folic acid and iron deficiencies, eye problems and blood disorders, could make it unwise to take the injection.
- B12 injections often have inactive ingredients such as cobalt which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Another potentially problematic inactive ingredient is aluminum, which if allowed to build up in the body, can cause serious problems including muscle weakness, cognitive issues and bone problems. Aluminum can be more of an issue in those whose kidneys arent functioning properly.
- B12 may interact with other medications or supplements you may already be taking. For example, if you are on anything that affects blood cell production or take nutritional supplements, you should not get a B12 injection until youve discussed it with your doctor.
- Since B12 injections may result in risks to unborn babies, a pregnant women should only get a B12 injection after consulting with her obstetrician so that all of the benefits and risks can be thoroughly considered and weighed against each other. B12 may also be passed into breast milk, so be sure to consult the doctor before using it.
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Do I Need A Prescription For B12 Injections
Yes, B-12 injections require a prescription. However, once you have the Rx from your doctor, you dont have to travel to his or her office for every injection. Vitamin B12 injections are available at drug stores and through Hone. If a Hone doctor feels a prescription for B12 injections is right for you, youll be sent everything you need to self-inject at home.
Vitamin B12 Injection Side Effects
Theres no established toxic dose for B12since its a water-soluble vitamin, youll flush out whatever you cant use. However, you can feel mild to moderate pain in the injection site .
Other common side effects of B12 injections include:
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
If you experience any uncommon side effects, such as chest pain or hives, contact your health care provider immediately.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin B12 injections can help if your gut doesnt absorb nutrients well or you dont want to take a daily oral supplement. B12 can be injected just under the skin or into the muscle . Vitamin B12 injections are generally safe side effects are mild.
1. Vitamin B12
2. Revisiting Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Clinicians Guide For the 21st Century .
3. Peterson CT, et al . B Vitamins and Their Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer.
4. Penninx BW, et al . Vitamin B deficiency and depression in physically disabled older women: epidemiologic evidence from the Womens Health and Aging Study.
5. Tucker, K.L., et al . Low Plasma Vitamin B12 Is Associated With Lower BMD.
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Who Can And Can’t Take Hydroxocobalamin
Most adults and children can have hydroxocobalamin injections.
It’s not suitable for everyone.
To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting hydroxocobalamin if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicines in the past
- have been told you have low levels of potassium
- have an irregular or fast heartbeat
What Are The Benefits Of A Vitamin B12 Injection
The overarching benefits of Vitamin B12 injections are that they will boost the production of red blood cells, help the body convert carbohydrates and maintain the functioning and balance of your nervous system. There are a host of other peripheral benefits which can be easily observed on a day-to-day basis:
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How To Use Vitamin B
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Injections may be given daily when you first start treatment. Certain medical conditions may require you to continue receiving injections every month.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Vitamin B12 Shots Are Very Effective
An untreated vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems or pernicious anemia, which occurs when your body doesnt have enough B12 to produce the amount of red blood cells it needs .
Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. The injections are prescribed by a doctor and given intramuscularly, or into muscle.
Injections are usually given as hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.
Bottom Line:
If you are deficient in vitamin B12, then the injections are very effective at raising your blood levels.
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What Is A B12 Injection
Do you think your body gets enough vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is an incredibly important vitamin used to keep the body, brain, nerve, and blood cells healthy. It also helps make your DNA. Luckily, vitamin B12 can be easily supplemented with B12 shots. There are also multiple locations on your body that can be used as a B12 injection site. If you are experiencing a vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms may include tiredness, weight loss, and constipation. B12 injections are an effective and rapid treatment for your body to quickly and efficiently absorb the vitamin it needs . Symptoms can be subtle, but B12 shots can completely change how you feel on a day to day basis.
To Give A B12 Injection Start By Cleaning The Injection Site Such As The Upper Arm Or Thigh With A Cotton Ball Dipped In Rubbing Alcohol To Sterilize The Area
A vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can also cause other oral symptoms apart from a swollen tongue. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia when you have low levels of this vitamin in the body. Injections are used to give a wide variety of different medications such as insulin vaccines and Botox onabotulinumtoxinA but not all injections are the same. Most individuals get enough vitamin B12 with a balanced diet.
Not shown above the buttock is another place where B12 shots may be given. While the site dries pull the plunger back on your syringe to your desired measurement. Most cases of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins. Methylcobalamin is sometimes used in people with pernicious anemia diabetes and other conditions.
CYANOCOBALAMIN sye an oh koe BAL a min is a man made form of vitamin B12. Before you give a Prolia injection make sure you are trained by a health professional to master the technique. 53 Day HCG Kit 30ML B12. 4318351 Hazards of administering vitamin B12 to cancer patients.
In most people treatment will be required for 4 months. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells due to a lack deficiency of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 The Fundamentals. An injection is a way of administering a liquid to a person using a needle and syringe.
Pin On Injections
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