Small red patch after B12 Methylcobalamin injection

[senriki]

Hi everyone

I’ve been injecting b12 Methylcobalamin on the outside of my thigh for two weeks now using TERUMO AGANI NEEDLE 30G YELLOW X 0.5" X 100. I have noticed that after 10mins from injecting I have a small red patch from colour of Methylcobalamin.

Is this normal?

Do I need longer needles?

Thanks in advance

😊

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Senriki. I'm assuming that you're trying to inject into the muscle (IM injection).

A 0.5” needle is not long enough to reach muscle so yes, you do need a longer needle

Try a 1 1/4” needle (or 1 1/2” if you have a lot of subcutaneous tissue). This will enable you to inject deeper and hence into muscle.

As you suspect, the red patch is staining from the methylcobalamin which is lurking in the subcutaneous tissue rather than in the muscle. The staining will dissipate over time and the B12 you've injected will still be absorbed by your body.

It's a good idea to use alternate thighs when injecting...and try not to put the needle in exactly the same place each time you inject. The muscle in the thigh is a large one so there's quite a wide area that you can inject in (even when using the upper outer thigh).

If you do want to inject subcutaneously, use the abdomen area - and angle your current needle at 45°, rather than the 90° angle used for IM injections.

Good luck 👍

[senriki in reply to Foggyme]

Hello Foggyme

Thank you for guiding me. 😊😊