Shots

Hi

Can anyone recommend a site to get b12 shots and needles please

[fbirder]

Here's a copy of the answer I gave just two days ago....

I get my B12 from amazon.de - amazon.de/dp/B009M3TRQ4... - the site is very similar to amazon.uk, so if you're familiar with that navigation is fairly easy. Otherwise you can amazon.de open in one window and google translate in the other.

I get my syringes, needles and wipes from amazon.uk:

Green needles to draw the solution up into the syringe - amazon.co.uk/gp/product...

Blue needles for the actual injection - amazon.co.uk/gp/product...

2ml syringes - amazon.co.uk/gp/product...

Sterile wipes - amazon.co.uk/gp/product...

I find the ampoules aren't scored (or aren't well scored) so I use these to open them - sepha.com/en/products/v...

[Hidden in reply to fbirder]

Many thanks

[jillc39 in reply to fbirder]

oh very very helpful thanks

[Leilanilea]

Buy-Otc.com

I'm in US and order B12, cyanocobalamin, from Canadian site. I can definitely recommend their products and service:

Buy-Otc.com

I also bought their syringes with needles attached: BD 3 ml Syringe, Luer-Lok Tip with BD PrecisionGlide Needle. 25G (gauge) x 1in (0.5mm x 25mm)

I'm a retired RN and was happy to see BD as they have been around forever and are considered a reputable company, as is Cytex, the maker of the cyanocobalamin. It comes in 10ml multiple dose vial/bottle with rubber stopper under the cap. 1000mcg/ml, for Intramuscular or Deep Sub-Q Injection.

I have self injected into thigh and these needles are slick...barely knew it was in! Using multi-dose B12 eliminates the need to break glass vial and potential cuts.

[sweetmaddie in reply to Leilanilea]

HI Lealanilea - I'm in the US too and am looking for a source to buy cyanocobalamin elsewhere. I looked at the buy-otc site and saw the 10 ml multiple dose bottle you mentioned.

Right now I'm using single dose vials with the metal top that you snap off and underneath is a flat rubber top that you just pierce with the needle. To use the multi dose vials do you pierce the rubber top on the bottle the same way... but just ten times (with a new needle/syringe) each time you inject yourself? Swabbing the top with an alcohol pad each time?

I see you're a nurse : ) so I'm hoping you can school me on this! Thanks...

[Leilanilea in reply to sweetmaddie]

Exactly right. And follow the recommended storage conditions, temperature and so forth. As there is a vacuum in the bottle, before inserting needle you should pull syringe plunger down to 1cc marker, then insert needle into bottle, push the 1cc air into bottle, then withdraw the solution.

Best,

Leilani

[fbirder in reply to Leilanilea]

I've read this advice several times over the last couple of weeks, about squirting air into the vial, and it has made me wonder. Why would one but a sterile solution and immediately contaminate it by injecting non-sterile air into it? Then leaving it to grow any bugs for a few weeks?

Is this advice actually given with the vial, or is it only Internet 'wisdom' (the modern equivalent of an old-wives tale)?

[Leilanilea in reply to fbirder]

It's accepted nursing and medical procedure and has been for decades. I don't post or perpetuate old-wives-tales. Also, it's basic physics.

[Leilanilea in reply to Leilanilea]

See nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/enc...

for excellent instructions on injections

[fbirder in reply to Leilanilea]

Yup, you are correct. I do apologise.

[Leilanilea in reply to fbirder]

That's okay.

[Leilanilea in reply to fbirder]

BTW, do you inject subcutaneously or intramuscular, if you don't mind saying?

Thanks

[fbirder in reply to Leilanilea]

I do IM. But I use single-use glass ampoules.

[sweetmaddie in reply to Leilanilea]

That's really helpful information! A few more questions if you don't mind.... is there any benefit to using a longer needle like the 1" you mention rather than a shorter one? I'm using 31G 5/16 inch. Is it better to get the B12 deeper into the muscle with the longer needle?

My doctor taught me to do the same thing with the single dose vials (pull 1cc of air into the syringe plunger and push the air into the bottle before withdrawing the solution), so I'm comfortable with that method. Do I need to do anything special to protect the top of the multi dose bottle between uses? Does the little metal 'cap' snap back on?

Thanks in advance for your input. I'm so glad to have stumbled onto your post.

[Leilanilea in reply to sweetmaddie]

Hi, Questions bottom up! No, cap will not go back on. I put my bottle back in it's small box.

As far as needle length and depth of injection I'd consider two main points...The amount of muscle tissue you have where injecting, and whether you're aiming for (hah! No pun intended) Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. A 1-in needle in an overweight person might still inject subcutaneously, whereas a 5/8 could go into muscle if person very thin.

I would like to know whether anyone has been instructed by nurse or physician to use sub-q route? When receiving B12 in physician's office they gave IM on upper arm. Have to go but if you or others have info on sub-q question please post. Thanks

Leilani

[Hidden]

That's great thank you l really hope l don't have to go down this route, but if l have to l will.