Vitamin B12 plays an important role in cell reproduction, blood cell formation, brain development, and bone growth. People who suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms such as depression, fatigue, anemia, and forgetfulness, can consult a doctor about vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 injections contain a synthetic form of vitamin B12, called cyanocobalamin. Talk to your doctor before injecting vitamin B12, as people with allergies or certain conditions may react badly to vitamin B12. Although you can inject vitamin B12 yourself, the safest way is to ask someone else to inject it.
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Part 1 of 2: Preparation Before Injecting
Step 1. Consult a doctor
Talk to your doctor about why this vitamin injection is good for you. Your doctor may check the level of vitamin B12 in your blood or other laboratory tests. If your doctor thinks you need a vitamin B12 injection, he or she will give you a prescription for a specific dose. The doctor may also guide you on how to give the injection, or tell the person who will inject you. You should never try to inject it yourself without proper practice.
- You must redeem prescription drugs at the local pharmacy. Never take more vitamin B12 than prescribed.
- While taking vitamin B12 injections, your doctor may require you to have regular blood tests to check your body's reaction to the injections.
Step 2. Understand the possible complications of vitamin B12 injections
Because vitamin B12 injections contain cyanocobalamin, you should not use them if you are allergic to cyanocobalamin or cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease, which is a congenital vision loss condition. Tell your doctor about any allergies or conditions you have before asking for a prescription for vitamin B12 injection. You should not be injected with vitamin B12 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or allergy symptoms that affect the nose, such as sinus congestion or sneezing.
- Kidney or liver disease.
- Lack of iron or folic acid.
- Any infection.
- If you are taking medication or having treatment that affects the bone marrow.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking vitamin B12 injections. Cyanocobalamin is excreted in breast milk and is harmful to a nursing infant.
Step 3. Know the benefits of vitamin B12 injections
If you have anemia or a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may need treatment in the form of vitamin B12 injections. Some people also have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 through oral supplements or food and may need vitamin B12 injections. Vegetarians who don't eat any animal products also need vitamin B12 supplements to stay healthy.
However, keep in mind that vitamin B12 injections are not medically proven to help with weight loss
Step 4. Determine the injection site
The location of the injection depends on the age and comfort level of the person giving it. In general, there are four injection sites:
- Upper arm: this location is often used in young or middle-aged adults. Older adults can have an injection at this location if their upper arm or deltoid muscles are well developed. However, injection doses of more than 1 ml should not be given through the upper arm.
- Thigh: this location is most commonly used in people who inject themselves, or in infants or children. This location is very good because the fat and muscle content under the skin of the thigh is very high. The target muscle for the injection, the vastus lateralis, is located midway between the groin and knee, about 9-12 cm from the groin.
- Outer hip: this location below the hipbone is suitable for both adults and young people. Some health professionals recommend injecting in this area because there are no major blood vessels or nerves that may be punctured during the injection.
- Buttocks: both sides of the upper outer buttocks, or dorsogluteal, are common sites for injections. However, only professional healthcare practitioners should use this location, as it is located close to the major blood vessels, and the sciatic nerve, which may be damaged if the injection is not administered correctly.
Step 5. Determine the route of administration of the injection
While it may seem easy to give someone an injection with a syringe, there are two ways in which you can give vitamin B12:
- Intramuscular: these injections are more common because they tend to give better results. The needle will be inserted at a 90-degree angle, so that it goes deep into the muscle tissue. When vitamin B12 is injected through a needle, the surrounding muscle tissue absorbs it immediately. Thus, all vitamin B12 can be ensured to be absorbed by the body.
- Subcutaneous: this injection is used less frequently. The needle will be inserted at a 45-degree angle, just under the skin and not into your muscle. The outer layer of skin can be pulled away from the fatty tissue to prevent the needle from piercing it. The best location for this method is in the upper arm.
Part 2 of 2: Giving the Injection
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
Prepare a clean table as a place of care in your home. You need:
- Vitamin B12 solution from a doctor's prescription.
- New and clean tools and syringes
- Cotton ball.
- Medical alcohol.
- Small wound dressing.
- A needle impermeable container for disposing of used needles.
Step 2. Clean the injection site
Make sure the injection site is open and the skin of the recipient can be seen. Then, wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Clean the person's skin by rubbing a cotton ball in a circle.
Let the part dry
Step 3. Clean the surface of the vitamin B12 solution
Use a new cotton ball, moistened with alcohol, to wipe the vitamin B12 container.
Let it dry
Step 4. Flip the solution up and down
Remove the clean needle from its packaging, and remove the protective film.
Step 5. Pull the syringe back until it reaches the desired number of injections
Then put it in the vial. Remove air from the syringe by pressing on it, and then slowly draw it back in, until it fills with the right amount of solution.
Gently tap the syringe with your finger to release any air bubbles inside
Step 6. Remove the needle from the vial
Gently press the syringe to dispense a small amount of the vitamin B12 solution and ensure that the air is completely expelled.
Step 7. Give the injection
Use the thumb and index finger of your other hand to grip the skin at the injection site. Regardless of the injection site you choose, the skin of the area should be smooth and firm to make the solution easier to inject.
- Tell them that you will be injecting. Then insert the needle into the skin at a suitable angle. Hold the syringe firmly and press gently until all of the vitamin solution enters.
- Once the syringe is inserted, pull the syringe back slightly to make sure there is no blood in it. If no blood enters the syringe, continue giving the vitamin injection.
- Try to inject the limp muscle. If the person receiving the injection seems anxious or tense, tell them to put weight on the arm or leg that is not going to be injected. This will help relax the muscles at the injection site.
- If you are injecting vitamin B12 yourself, use your other hand to grip the skin at the injection site. Relax your muscles and insert the syringe at the appropriate angle. Check for blood in the syringe, and inject the rest if there is no blood in it.
Step 8. Peel off the skin and remove the needle
Make sure to remove the needle at the same angle it was when you inserted it. Use a cotton ball to stop the bleeding and clean the injection site.
- Wipe the cotton ball at the injection site in a circular motion.
- Apply a bandage to protect the injection site.
Step 9. Dispose of the syringe with care
Do not dispose of used syringes in the regular trash. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for a needle-resistant trash can, or you can make your own.
- Use an old coffee can and seal the lid with duct tape. Make a wedge wide enough to insert the needle. Once the can is full, take it to a doctor's clinic for proper disposal, or ask a medical waste disposal service for help.
- You can also use a thick plastic detergent bottle to store used syringes. Be sure to clearly mark the vial that the contents are used syringes and no longer detergent.
- Once filled 3/4 full with a needle, take this can to a doctor's clinic, a biological B3 waste collection point, a medical waste disposal center, or a used syringe disposal site. Another option is to register for a special waste disposal program if one is available.
Step 10. Use a single-use syringe only once
Never use the same needle twice as this can lead to infection or disease.
