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When deciding to learn how to inject vitamin B12, some details are essential to know. Needle size, injection site, and dosage will differ for every individual. All these decisions will depend on your preference and what you need.

Vitamin B12 injections can be administered in different ways. The site of injection will also vary depending on many factors. A healthcare professional can determine which site and method are the most convenient for you. 

If you are administering vitamin B12 injections at home, there are specific instructions you need to remember. It is advised that you receive guidance from a trained professional before attempting to do this independently. Nevertheless, once you have learned and practiced administering vitamin B12 injections, it will be easy to do it regularly at home.    

Supplies Needed for a Vitamin B12 Injection

The first thing you will need to prepare is the supplies you will use to administer a vitamin B12 injection safely. 

  • Needle and syringe 
  • Sharps disposal container 
  • Alcohol and cotton balls
  • Gauze or bandages
  • Vitamin B12 solution

The size and length of your needle will depend on the injection site and your body type. Ask your healthcare provider the correct gauge of needle you will use. Depending on the amount of vitamin B12 solution you inject, you may use a syringe that holds slightly more than you need. This will make withdrawing the solution easier. 

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.  

Where to Inject Vitamin B12

Learning to inject at different injection sites will be helpful, as repeated shots at the same location will be unhealthy for your skin.  

For intramuscular injections, the common sites for B12 injections are the arm, upper buttocks, and thigh. Subcutaneous injections can be administered at the side or back of the upper arm, lower abdomen, and front of the thigh. If you have a friend or loved one to help you, the upper buttocks or the arm are a good choice. On the other hand, if you are self-administering, then the thigh is a more convenient location.      

Whichever method or injection site you decide on, you should keep your hands and supplies sanitized. First, clean the injection area you choose with alcohol and allow it to dry. Do the same for the top of the vial of your vitamin B12 solution. Draw vitamin B12 from the vial into your syringe. Make sure there is no air trapped inside and no blood when you pull on the syringe slightly.

If you choose to inject intramuscularly, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. For subcutaneous injections, pinch the fat and insert the needle into the fat under the skin. After injection, apply pressure on the site where you injected B12.        

To ensure a safe and successful administration of your vitamin B12 injection, consult your doctor for detailed instruction or demonstration. 

Have More Questions?

If you have further questions about vitamin B12 and how to administer the medicine, you can contact the providers at Medical Weight Loss Centers of America. Experts are specially trained to help you get the treatment you need to reach your optimal health and wellness goals.