B12 injections

[Ells123]

I was just wondering if anybody could help me out a little bit , I’ve been feeling very tired and unwell for a few months now. I went to the doctors and then I’ve had to start having b12 injections - so I had them every other day for two weeks - my last one was on the 31st of Oct. next ones in 3months. Since my starter injections I’ve been suffering with what looks like a pimple rash all over my face and my chest.... is this normal? I’m so bloody embarrassed and anxious, I can’t stop crying they’re very painful and I don’t know whether to see my doctor about it or if they’ll heal soon? Help please:(

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi @ ells123 A wiser person than I has commented previously:

B12 Side effects

"The pimples/acne, is likely to be caused by microbes on your skin reacting to the additional B12 by producing substances that your skin is then reacting to. In theory this could be resolved by use of a good skin wash. You might have better luck talking to your pharmacist and seeing what they can recommend prior to your next maintenance shot - though there is always a chance that it was something that won't recur".

Hope this helps.

[Ells123 in reply to clivealive]

Ahh! Thank you so much for your help

[deniseinmilden]

Hi!

I get this when I have enough B12 and supporting supplements to make it work properly.

It was really bad to start with and painful too but gradually cleared up as my B12 treatment progressed.

I only get an odd spot now if things come right after a problem spell so I almost welcome it now - it's usually a sign I'm going to feel good!

As Clive says, treat your skin directly to improve that and make sure you get plenty of B12 in future.

[Ells123 in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thank you very much

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to deniseinmilden]

Me, too, deniseinmilden ! Usually, mine are in my ears so no one can see them, but sometimes neck or face. Never many, and always a good sign. Way worse things to have....... !

[Highland49]

Hi Ells,

This is actually a good sign and is usually caused when your body is detoxing the excess homocysteine, an amino acid. When levels are raised, it is has been linked to heart disease.

Do you have neurological symptoms? These can include balance issues, numbness, tingling and depression. The NICE/BNF guidance for frequency of injections with neurological symptoms is alternate days until no further improvement. The guidelines have just been amended to reduce the 3 months to 8 weeks for people that cannot be maintained on 3 monthly injections.

Are you taking cofactors of folate and ferritin ( after checking out your iron level first)? These are needed to process the b12.

Hopefully the spots will settle down soon.

[Ells123 in reply to Highland49]

I’ve always suffered depression, and yes I only discovered I had Low b12 , after many doctors appointments due to such bad joints and tingling // loss of feeling that I ended up being sent for an emergency mri on my back because they thought I’d done something serious. Results were normal... After a simple blood test they found it was just my b12 levels. Since the b12 boosters, I’ve been sleeping a lot more than usual... can barely get through the day without a nap😂 and my skin has become awful. I don’t know what to do?

[Ells123 in reply to Ells123]

And no I don’t take any ferritin or anything

[Highland49 in reply to Ells123]

You could get a print out of your latest results and post on here for advice. I hope you're feeling better soon.