B12 Topping Up Between Hydroxocobalamin Injections

[Dham]

Hi! I know some people SI between injections. If you don't SI does anyone supplement with Cyanocobalamin tablets or methylcobalamin sublingual drops in between hydroxocobalamin injections? Are they the same as hydroxocobalamin and safe to take?

I have just started hydroxocobalamin injections but used to take 100 mcg cyanocobalamin tablets daily.I have also found sublingual spray of methylcobalamin 100 mcg. Would either of these be okay for in between hydroxocobalamin injections? How often?

I'm new to this &trying to get as much information as possible.

Thank you for your advice

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Dham personally my injections are cyanocobamalin and have used a methycobamalin spray in between injections for at least 2 years with no problems at all. The cobamalin element of each is the same.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

[Dham in reply to clivealive]

Thank you Clive alive. There's so much to learn

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to Dham]

That's not to say that there won't be possible side effects from the different types caused by the make up of the sublingual tablets/sprays/injections.

Read the leaflets.

So it may be a good idea (as with any new medication) to be with someone the first time around - better to be safe just in case.

The reason I am still having cyanocobamalin injections after all these years is that when tried on hydroxo back in the 1980s I had a very bad reaction to one or other of the "ingredients" and certainly couldn't "last" the three monthly interval.

Are you able to eat lots of leafy green vegetables containing Folate?

There is a complex interaction between folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another so the three must always be in balance.

Folic acid works closely with vitamin B12 in making red blood cells and helps iron function properly in the body.

[Dham in reply to clivealive]

Thank you for your advice. I'll get my blood results next week for folate &ferritin. I already take iron supplements and will be adding in folic acid

[Winterlight]

Hi there,

After my initial loading shots Ive been told I may get injections but only once every three months which I know is not enough as my b12 was very low and I had and still have some neuro symptoms. I haven’t found Drs very much help at all including a private haematologist.. waste of time and money 😞

I am not due for a blood test till mid July and have just started taking Methylcobalamin 1000mcg b12. First one today. I’ve chosen the dissolve under tongue tablet. I’ve been taking a spray until now but it wasn’t as strong as this. I’m also looking into taking Folate and some other b vitamins.

I think we have to do a lot of research and try and help ourselves as most Drs don’t seem very well informed.

This site is really helpful and full of good advice and lovely people.

Take care I wish you well.

[Dham in reply to Winterlight]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I completely agree about doctors. I've been stuck between a rock and a hard place for years and despite consultant asking for injections I was only prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets. Now I have been prescribed hydroxocobalamin injections but straight in at 1 every 3 months, no loading jabs. I'm going back next week for results &will ask for loading jabs. I'm also taking iron and will get folate result next week & start that. I privately tested vitamin D & am also deficient.

I know I can buy the same cyanocobalamin tablets I was prescribed as a pharmacy item.

Are you in the UK? Where do you buy the under the tongue tablets?

If only doctors listened! I wish you well too

[Winterlight in reply to Dham]

Hello Dham,

I’m sorry you’ve been going through all this it’s just not right that these Drs don’t want to listen to us and that they are not informed enough about what a low b12 can do. I really hope you can get the loading injections they do help although don’t be surprised if you feel tired a day or two afterwards I think it must be the bodies way of trying to heal itself. The loading injections stopped my palpitations and the tingling around my lips and tongue and some other odd symptoms I’d had for ages including dark circles under my eyes! but now im getting some of the tingling back because I know I need more b12. I have peripheral neuropathy which makes my legs and arms feel strange but it was almost gone after the shots over two weeks.

Yes I’m in the UK and the under the tongue Methylcobalamin 1000mcg I found on Amazon they’re priced at £11.97 for a six months supply. There are very similar ones so have a read on the description to check they do dissolve under the tongue.

I do hope you can get the help you need I am thinking of you.

[Dham in reply to Winterlight]

Hi Winterlight

Thankyou for your kind words. It's great you felt an improvement with the loading jags but not good that you can't get more frequent, 3 monthly shouldn't be a 1 size fits all.

I had the 1st jag on Tuesday and on Thursday I felt a lot better. Friday I felt a new woman. My geographic tongue is almost cleared, which I am thrilled.

Yesterday &today I've not been good. Pins and needles, numbness, jittery and very tired. I'm hoping this is a short lived side effect. This also concerns me about taking methylcobalamin as well as hydroxocobalamin as it's all new to me. I'd be really interested to hear how you get on with them.

I hope you get a good regime which helps you

[Winterlight in reply to Dham]

I’m sorry Dham I’ve tried to reply to you but my reply has vanished. I will try again tomorrow. I have to work tonight. Just wanted to reassure you I was exactly the same with the loading shots my symptoms were worse some days and the tiredness was awful. Your body is trying hard to repair itself. You are not alone out there 🙂