Self injections needle size?

[ben1988]

Hi there

As with many people I have resorted to looking to self inject.

Am I right in thinking you need

Green 21g to draw it up

Blue 23g to intramuscular injection?

Many thanks in advance

[Penni]

I use a 2ml syringe andthe same needle for both. Hope it helps

[wedgewood]

I would use a finer needle to inject . i.e. at least 25 gauge . B12 is a watery solution so you can inject successfully with a finer needle .

[JanD236]

Yes I use the needles that you mention. They are the same size as used by the nurse at my GP practice when she draws up/injects.

[bdole2018]

If you are going the im route; you may as well draw up with the size of needle you intend to inject with. Just need to make sure it is long enough to reach the bottom of the ampoule.

I prefer to do subcutaneous injections (into the belly fat) if taking regularly. Regular im injections can be bad for musle tissue. I draw up with a 21g 1" needle. I then put on a 25g 1/2" needle for injection. I only do the im route if I need a b12 boost quickly. Though a 21g needle for im is probably overkill for most people.

Remember not to mix luer-slip and luer-lock needles and syringes; it's one system or the other. Luer locks might be better if you have difficulties pulling and pushing the needles on and off. Otherwise use luer-slip as they tend to be cheaper. If something is advertises as just "luer" then it's probably luer slip.

[deniseinmilden]

I was using the needles as you suggest but recently have been using finer needles (26 g) for injection and have found this more comfortable.

I got the finer needles from Exchange Supplies in Dorchester, who post to anywhere.

[pitney]

They are what I use with a 2ml syringe

Good luck and all best wishes

[Deetha]

I do IM and draw up with. 3/8inch 23g needle then swap to a 1.5in 25g to inject... if you even scrape the bottom of the phial when drawing up it can blunt the needle and that will make it more painful to inject... if you can use two then do so. I’m Looking to use a finer gauge (27g) for objecting in future but will still draw up with a different needle.