30g needle for IM injections of B12

[Nancyj345]

My dr has me using 30g needles for IM injections of B12. I like them because I don't feel anything when I give myself an injection I have been reading that the recommended gauge is 23 to 25. Will this make a difference as to my absorption of B12. I inject in the thigh. Thank you.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Nancyj345. No, won't make any difference to the absorption of B12.

If it works for you, stick with it 😄.

[Deuto]

Hi Nancyj345

It sounds like you have a 'dream' doctor there who supports you self-injecting! I actually have one too, and feel so sorry for many of the people here who have dreadful experiences with their doctors and have to hide their 'extra' injections etc.

I now see that while I was typing the above, Foggyme, one of the highly knowledgeable Administrators, has also replied to say that the needle size won't make any difference to the absorption - which I was about to say! I am learning!

I also self-inject into the thigh but have fairly tough muscles so use a 25G 1inch needle to inject, but I know other people who can use the thinner needles, so stick with what you are using.

[Marymary7 in reply to Deuto]

@Foggyme is it possible to get a 30 gauge 1inch needle, I thought into the muscle had to be 1inch long and I can't find that combo... just trying to find a painless one to inject my brother. I have been using the 25g and it hurts if I inject Hydroxy not with Methyl, that seems to go better. I use a bigger gauge to draw up.

Thanks for any help.

[Deuto in reply to Marymary7]

Good question!

I just googled the BD and Terumo websites and both producers offer 30G one inch conventional needles so it is presumably a question of finding a supplier of that size needles.

Both producers also offer one inch needles in gauges between 25G and 30G.

As I am not in the UK, I am not familiar with likely suppliers there.

[Nancyj345 in reply to Deuto]

I am in US and get 30g at Walgreens pharmacy.