Injectable B12

[Gillsie54]

Does anyone know if the NHS is likely to allow hydroxycobalamin to be bought off prescription in UK pharmacies?

The NHS want to save money and I see from posts that others like me buy most of their own supplements already but injections are not available. With Brexit we need to be in control of our own B12 supplies especially as GP ‘s fail to understand the complexity of B12 metabolism and regularly restrict injections based on serum b12 blood levels which tell you nothing about how effective your body is in using b12 at a cellular level.

I have written to my MP several times on this issue and he has promised to look into it. What else can we do. I signed a petition years ago but we get no nearer being allowed to purchase it off prescription. Is the society taking this issue up at all?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Unfortunately it is exteremely unlikely as injectable hydroxocobalamin gets caught up in the regulations that make all injectable medications prescription only - so far the only responses that anyone has ever achieved from health ministers is that they are not willing to make exceptions.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

For anyone else reading this thread, here's a link to a petition to have hydroxycobalamin available over the counter

change.org/p/ian-hudson-ple...

"What else can we do"

I think we have to continue to raise awareness of B12 deficiency in UK and elsewhere. I suspect there are hundreds of thousands of people in UK as yet undiagnosed. If more people diagnosed that's hopefully more people to campaign for over the counter supplies.

If there are problems with supplies from Europe after Brexit then I foresee private GPs/clinics etc doing a roaring trade in B12 jabs...although doesn't help those without financial means to go private.

There was a recent thread on this subject on the forum, will try to find a link to it.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I feel very vulnerable sometimes as I do not have a PA diagnosis just an agreement to treat me as my symptoms are typical of B12 deficiency.

I am not going back to how I was for many years....there's always the possibility of stuffing myself with sublinguals or will there be a run on raw liver at the butcher's counter?

[BirdlessBox]

You can buy them and the syringe etc over the counter at some Pharmacies in NZ. Price varies but I have been buying them at $12 per 3 vial pack and about $1.50 - $2.00 for the equipment. Can you order them from overseas? I read some people were.

[Gillsie54 in reply to BirdlessBox]

Thanks. At least if I ever visit NZ I will be reassured that I can buy without prescription in a pharmacy. I don’t know of any NZ pharmaceutical companies who sell overseas though.

The UK is so backwards at times. After all this is a vitamin and just because it requires a needle to inject they treat it and us differently.

It does leave UK patients feeling vulnerable.

Thank you though for your information.