This is my first few SIs of Hydroxycobalamin from Intravita. I'm sure my technique is fine but when the substance is being given its really excruciatingly painful that I can hardly bear it. I've warmed it and inject very slowly.
Can anyone offer advice on how to use lidocaine with this and how to do that or where to get Hydroxycobalamin that won't sting so much - I understand that it does sting but this is really unbelievably painful and I'm not whimpy about injections or blood taking usually!
thank you very much for your thoughts and opinions,
Gill
Written by
Thurgolady
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Hi Thurgolady. Hmm...never purchased hydroxocobalamin from Intravita so can't really comment on 'stinginess' for that particular product. The excessive sting may be due to excipients (the inactive substances used as a vehicle for the B12) that you may be sensitive too. Or not...no real way of knowing. But this is more likely if you haven't experienced this with other brands of hydroxocobalamin.
It's not a good idea to use lidocaine, especially if you inject on a frequent basis (topical application enters the system and too much can be harmful). Lidocaine cream or a patch would only numb the surface of the skin: it wouldn’t penetrate far enough into the muscle (IM injection) or subcutaneous tissues (SC injection) where the stingy is occurring, so there would be no beneficial anaesthetic effect via this route of application.
injection with lidocaine should only be done by a suitably qualified medical professional. On a side note, injections of lidocaine can be quite painful (it’s very very stingy) and it's only used when the pain of a procedure exceeds that of the injection (i.e. for stitches or minor surgery).
Lidocaine is sometimes used when injecting very painful medications, but this should only be done by a medical professional. (It can also be used as a drug to treat cardiac arythmyia - but that's a different story).
Also - lidocaine can have some quite nasty side effects, more especially if used regularly, and there are contraindications to its use.
Thank you fbirder. I have asked for the other ingredients as they are not stated on the bottles and no other information. But this company was recommended with a link to the actual B12 to buy from the B12 charity.
It looks like I need to try a different brand and will have a look at those links. I have heard of diluting hydroxy, is this possible with this and how and with what? Thank you, Gill
Hi Thurgolady. Not sure what you mean about 'diluting hydroxy'.
Wouldn't suggest adding anything to hydroxycobalamin...it should be of a quality and standard to inject without additions...and without excessive pain.
It's a bit worrying that the ingredients are not stated on the bottle and that a patient information leaflet is not provided.
I note your use of the term bottle: hydroxycobalaim usually comes in single dose glass ampoules - sealed and sterile. If it's arriving in a bottle - bit worrying.
I'm not concerned about the quality - its a single dose in a bottle (tiny) with a metal top which is just a different way of doing it than an ampoule and the source was recommended by the B12d charity so its fine, its a reputable company.
I've heard somewhere that you can dilute with sterile injectible saline and I was hoping to find out more about this but i understand what you're saying and thank you.
I think the PIL is missing because its done through the B12d charity although I bought it myself.
Thurgolady. Just to clarify...the b12d charity is not connected to the Pernicious Anaemia Society (who sponsor this forum).
Irrespective of how you acquired the hydroxocobalamin, the provision of patient information leaflets and information about contents is a required standard for all injectable grade substances.
A bottle with a metal top does not inspire confidence as to the quality and sterility of the contents.
The best advice from this forum is not to use it (as per replies in this string).
Like Hidden says, a PIL is only a requirement for injectable medicines. But Intravita make a point of not claiming any medical use for their B12, indeed, they actively deny it can be used to treat a medical condition.
By doing this they manage to avoid all those cumbersome regulations that control the safety and quality of proper medicines.
I had a similar experience with ampoules purchased from Sharm el Sheik whilst we were on holiday 3 years ago. Once they were all used up I purchased from Versandapo and have to say the ampoules from Germany are virtually painless in comparison.
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