Does it matter where you inject B12?

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.

Where does B12 get injected?

The injection is given into a muscle (known as an intramuscular injection). You may have some pain, swelling or itching where your injection was given. However this is usually mild and will wear off quite quickly.

Where is the best place to self inject B12?

thigh
The easiest site when self-administering an IM injection is the middle third of the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. Other options include the deltoid muscle of the upper arm and the dorsogluteal site on the bottom. This maybe useful if you have a carer or a family member willing to administer your injection.

How do you inject B12?

Use Vitamin B12 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Vitamin B12 injection is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

How do you inject B12 in your arm?

The Arm. If you are giving a B12 injection in the arm, make a downward-facing triangle with your thumb and forefinger over the deltoid muscle, which is on the upper arm near the shoulder. To find the deltoid, feel for the bone at the top of the upper arm and give the injection two finger widths below this bone.

Can you overdose on B12?

For more information, visit our medical review board. You cannot overdose on vitamin B12 because any excess you simply pee out. If you get b12 shots, you may experience side effects like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It is possible to have elevated B12 levels in blood tests, which may indicate cancer or diabetes.

How many units of B12 should I inject?

B12 may be injected into a muscle or under the skin at 100 mcg daily for a week, every other day for another week, and then every three or four days for a month. Thereafter, 100 mcg should be injected once a month for life.

How quickly do B12 injections work?

B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within 48 to 72 hours, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.

How do you inject B12 into your butt?

First divide the buttock in half from top to bottom and then in half from side to side. The injection will be given in the upper outer quarter. You should be able to feel a curved bone in this quarter. The injection will go in this quarter below the curved bone.

Is it OK to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

The recommended dose for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is 1000 mcg daily. The recommended dose for preventing vitamin B12 deficiency is 1500 mg or 2500 mcg (sublingual tablets) daily. The dose for treating hyperhomocysteinemia is 400 mg daily in combination with folic acid.

How often should I take 1000 mcg of B12?

The exact dosage is determined by your doctor depending on your medical condition. Generally, a daily dosage of 1000 micrograms is used to treat a deficiency without any side effects.

Does injectable B12 need to be refrigerated?

Vitamin B-12 is stable at room temperature. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

Is 5000 mcg of B12 too much?

Is 5000 mcg of B12 too much? A dosage of 5000 mcg of Vitamin B12 has been deemed a safe dosing amount. In fact, it is often recommended for those who have a health condition that affects their B12 absorption. Consultation with a qualified health professional is always recommended.

Can vitamin B12 damage your liver?

The common forms of vitamin B include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Except for niacin (when given in high doses), there is no evidence that the other B vitamins, in physiologic or even super-physiologic high doses cause liver injury or jaundice.

How often should I take 5000 mcg of B12?

Supplementation Guidelines

Most Vitamin B12 supplements start at least 250 mcg and go as high as 5000 mcg per dose. As you can start to see, a once daily or once weekly supplement will more than satisfy the RDA.

Is 2500 mcg of B12 too much for seniors?

In some cases, doctors may recommend high doses — more than 1,000 micrograms (mcg) per day. A recent study found that for seniors, a daily dose of 500 micrograms was efficient in reversing the signs of B12 deficiency. In general, experts recommend 2.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day for people over the age of 14.

What are the side effects of B12 1000 mcg?

High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause:
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Tingling sensation in hands and feet.

Is it OK to take 500 mcg B12 daily?

In one 8-week study in 100 older adults, supplementing with 500 mcg of vitamin B12 were found to normalize B12 levels in 90% of participants. Higher doses of up to 1,000 mcg (1 mg) may be necessary for some ( 10 ).