Self inject links please

[Kenbowns]

I have seen many posts in the past re sub cut SI about needle sizes etc but I cant seem to find them and my own searches provide massive choices.

Could I ask if someone could provide the links to hydroxo from versandapo, needles for drawing up b12 and a short fine needle to si into stomach.

Many thanks.

[jade_s]

Some links in this post (though the one for needles are for IM I believe):

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I use a 26g x 10mm needle with 2mL syringes. Others use a 29 to 31g needle x 8mm. I find the 10mm just long enough to get the B12 out of the ampoule, but would go with a finer gauge but wasn't able to get anything smaller than 26g where I am.

Also check out the "related posts" on the right side of the screen.

Good luck!

[Kenbowns in reply to jade_s]

Thanks Jade

Are you using the same needle for drawing up and injecting or have I misread that ?

[jade_s in reply to Kenbowns]

Yup that's correct. I've read you don't need to switch out the needle for subcut, and I haven't had any issues so far. Even if the needle gets a bit dulled by hitting the side of the ampoule, it doesn't seem to matter, since the needle doesn't have far to go. I inject in my belly fat with a quick 'dart throwing' motion and it doesn't hurt at all. The B12 itself does sometimes sting. I warm up the ampoule for a few minutes in my bra first (though I'm guessing from your name you'll need to find another method ).

[Kenbowns in reply to jade_s]

Oh ok, I had assumed you needed a thicker needle to draw up because the liquid is quite thick ?

[jade_s in reply to Kenbowns]

I don't know. I haven't had any issues. Hopefully those who inject IM can explain why they use different needles.

[Penni]

For needles, pre-injetion swabs, sharps box etc I use Medisave as it was recommended to me through this site. They are excellent value and have great service. Last time I purchased 1ml insulin needles but they aren't quite large enough for a whole b12 ampule so I would get either 1.5 or 2ml size syringes. As for my b12 ampules I get that on prescription from my GP, who are happy for me too self inject when I feel I need it.

Hope this helps. Penni

[Kenbowns in reply to Penni]

Many thanks Penni

I will have a look now

[jade_s]

BTW in case those links still contain too many options LOL I started out with the Rotexmedica hydroxyB12:

versandapo.de/article/detai...

Also comes in a box of 100:

versandapo.de/article/detai...

[Kenbowns in reply to jade_s]

Thanks Jade, I have to make myself get on with this, phoned surgery today, serum b12 still >2000, appointment on Tuesday but that only looks like one outcome now.

[jade_s in reply to Kenbowns]

I had forgotten the name of the UK site for needles but thx to penni i have been able to look up the ones i use:

medisave.co.uk/b-d-microlan...

But these would work too (slightly smaller gauge)

medisave.co.uk/b-d-microlan...

medisave.co.uk/b-d-microlan...

I'd also recommend the 2mL syringe rather than the 1mL because it'll give you some extra space for air bubbles etc:

medisave.co.uk/consumables-...

Combined syringe+needle systems for insulin also exist but those are limited to 1mL from what I've seen, so you'd be better off buying them separately.

I practiced with a glass of water to get the feel for putting the needle on securely, drawing up the liquid, getting the air bubbles out, the resistance of the plunger, etc. Some use an orange. Watching some youtube videos also helps. good luck! I've now done 12 injections and my nervous system no longer goes into overdrive as I'm about to inject.

[Goeurope1 in reply to jade_s]

I was a pharmacist for 30 years. The reason you use 2 needles is to filter out glass slivers if you are drawing from an ampules where the glass top needs broken off. So you draw from the ampule with a filter needle. Change to a 23-25 guage needle and push in. You don't need a filter needle if the b12 is in a vial with a rubber stopper.

[fbirder]

Versand Apothek versandapo.de/article/searc...

Syringes - amazon.co.uk/BD-MEDICAL-307...

Green needles to draw up - amazon.co.uk/Terumo-Agani-N...

Orange needles for SC - amazon.co.uk/Sterile-Single...

I think those are the correct needles. I do IM, so I'm not certain.

[Kenbowns in reply to fbirder]

Great help as always and all within the hour, many thanks.