Subcutaneous injection v. intramuscular?

[LadyNZ]

I just wanted to know if anybody can tell me if there is any difference in how B12 is administered as far as effect goes. Does it take longer to absorb subcutaneously or do you have to inject more often? Or do both methods have the same effect. Thanks.

[wedgewood]

I am led to believe that both methods work equally well, just that sub-cutaneous takes longer. I use a 1 inch needle into my thigh which works well. But I don't know if this is sub-c or i.m.! Depends on how fat one is isuppose! Best wishes to you.

[LadyNZ in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks so much for your info. I had my first injection today subcut. It sounds like you're doing the IM method. Very brave!

[Hypopotamus]

Sub-Q is supposedly slower to get the B12 into the system, and according to some, this is an advantage. From my research, both methods appear to work, but Sub-Q is easier for most to administer to themselves.

[LadyNZ in reply to Hypopotamus]

Thanks Hypopotamus. As long as it's being absorbed, that's the main thing. Subcut is so much less painful than the IM administered at the medical centre!

[LadyNZ in reply to Hypopotamus]

Hypo...When you say it's slower to get into the system, do you mean on the day of the injection or that it can take days to absorb fully. Sorry if I sound dense! lol.

[Hypopotamus in reply to LadyNZ]

Just slower relatively. How soon a B12 injection will affect us varies from one individual to another depending on factors such as how low our B12 levels are prior to injecting.

You should remember that we are taking these injections for the sake of our long-term health rather than a (quick) temporary high.

[Catherine50]

What does sub cut mean?

[Laura5 in reply to Catherine50]

Subcutaneous.

This is a video explaining how to do both:

youtube.com/watch?v=k1jvywx...(Not working as expected?)

[catherinejordan in reply to Laura5]

that is really good information and advice thank you so much.

[LadyNZ in reply to Laura5]

Thank-you Laura5 for the video. I am using my insulin syringes which lokk like they have a shorter needle than what is shown in the video. is that going to matter? Thanks.

[Laura5 in reply to LadyNZ]

I wouldn't like to answer that. Maybe you could ask a pharmacist?

[Hypopotamus in reply to LadyNZ]

I'm using the diabetic syringes/needles, and they work fine.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

If I remember bits from 2013 PA conference correctly the main difference between IM and subQ is the initial absorption is higher with IM - but as the rate at which you loose B12 is higher when the levels are higher the two methods level out pretty quickly.

Similar story for nasal absorption.