Correct needle and syringe for B12 injections

[rosehill]

I ordered B12 ampules from Germany and they will be here in another 1-2 weeks. Can anyone recommend the least expensive place to order the supplies for this? Also gauge and other pertinent information. Another person here said her doctor has her using 18ga, 1/2" needles.

[fbirder]

I, and many others, use medisave for supplies.

For syringes, 2 mL is best even if injecting 1 mL as it gives you room to ensure all the B12 is sucked up, and to remove air bubbles. medisave.co.uk/bd-emerald-h...

To withdraw the liquid it's best to use a separate needle (not syringe - thanks to @deniseinmilden for pointing out the booboo) from that used for the injection. Most use a wide-bore (green) needle. medisave.co.uk/terumo-agani...

If you're injecting intramuscular then most people use a blue needle. Length depends on how much fat there is above the muscle.

Most use a 1.25" needle - medisave.co.uk/terumo-agani...

Leaner people can use 1" needle - medisave.co.uk/terumo-agani...

There's a guide here on how to determine the correct needle length for you- unionmedico.com/expanded-ne...

Personally, I use a thinner, purple, needle which is only available in 1" lengths - medisave.co.uk/24g-1-25-mm-...

If injecting subcutaneously then an orange 1" needle is recommended - medisave.co.uk/terumo-agani...

I get the rest of my stuff from Amazon -

Sharps bin - amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00...

Swabs - amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00...

Plasters - amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00...

Ampoule opener - amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01...

Disposing of your full sharps bin depends on local arrangements. My local council will collect and replace it when full. Some people use a local pharmacy, others a local vet, some a needle exchange scheme. You will have to check what's available.

[deniseinmilden in reply to fbirder]

Fbirder means it's best to use a separate needle (syringe was a typo) to draw up your B12 into the syringe and then another to inject. You discard the first one in case you have touched the needle tip on the ampoule - this blunts it and makes it painful to use.

Blue 23G needles are recommended for injection but I find the much finer 26G ones are better for me, even though technically they are not as safe in case you bend it. I just buy these and use one to draw up and a second one to inject. It's a bit slower but it's less than a second in it.

I'd definitely recommend AGAINST 18G needles - they are relatively huge (they are used in cattle who have thick leather hides so a very strong needle is required)!

I get my supplies from a company in Dorchester who post very efficiently to anywhere called

exchangesupplies.org

For more information on SI you could look up Wedgewood's replies by double clicking on her name and looking under the heading "replies". I will post a link to her after this.

[AakashaPri in reply to fbirder]

Any stores for us in the US?

[SouthSounder]

Rosehill - 18 ga seems a bit large. I use 25 ga x 1" & find the injections virtually painless, unless I'm impatient & don't let the alcohol evaporate prior to stabbing.

Used to live on a street called Rosehill, back in Ohio. Haven't though of that in years...

David

[rosehill in reply to SouthSounder]

That is funny, David. I live in Ohio. I use Rosehill as my Nik- it used to be my business name.

[SouthSounder in reply to rosehill]

Sent you a personal reply

[pitney]

I use medisave ,prices seem reasonable and delivery has always been reliable