Subcutaneous injection v. intramuscular? - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Subcutaneous injection v. intramuscular?

LadyNZ profile image
13 Replies

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. :)

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LadyNZ
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13 Replies
wedgewood profile image
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 profile image
LadyNZ in reply towedgewood

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 profile image
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 profile image
LadyNZ in reply toHypopotamus

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 profile image
LadyNZ in reply toHypopotamus

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 profile image
Hypopotamus in reply toLadyNZ

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 profile image
Catherine50

What does sub cut mean?

Laura5 profile image
Laura5 in reply toCatherine50

Subcutaneous.

This is a video explaining how to do both:

youtube.com/watch?v=k1jvywx...

catherinejordan profile image
catherinejordan in reply toLaura5

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

LadyNZ profile image
LadyNZ in reply toLaura5

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 profile image
Laura5 in reply toLadyNZ

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

Hypopotamus profile image
Hypopotamus in reply toLadyNZ

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

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

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.

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