B12 Over the Counter in France

[knackersyard]

I’m working in France for a few weeks.

Just walked into a pharmacy & asked for B12. Unfortunately, the staff spoke zero English & I don’t speak French, so it was a bit of a struggle.

What they had was Cyanocobalamin & in 4ml ampoules (which is a lot to inject), but for €2.90 for 6 ampoules, I didn’t argue.

I’ll go back tomorrow to see if they have any Hydrox or Methyl.

I want to post 2 pics, but can only seem to add one??

[Gambit62 Administrator]

only one picture per post.

each ampoule contains 1 mg - so you would need to use a full ampoule to get the normal dose of 1mg - a lot of fluid to inject in one go!

[Nackapan in reply to Gambit62]

Out of interest how much fluid is usual for 1mg b12 injected. That one has 4mls

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Nackapan]

in the UK the usual concentration is 1mg/ml

[Nackapan in reply to Gambit62]

Okay thank you

[wedgewood]

I’ve seen ampoules for drinking only on the German online Pharmacies websites , but never seen one that was for injecting and drinking . Also B12 ampoules can usually be administered by sub-cut, I.M or intravenously . The one illustrated is just for I.M. Unusual .

[Lgw19sof in reply to wedgewood]

The spanish over the counter ones can be for injection or drinking . The pharmacist informed me .

[expatkerry]

Hi there, I live in France and as far as I am aware this is the only B12 on sale here, I get this injected once a month. I have to order my hydroxo from Germany.

[knackersyard in reply to expatkerry]

Thanks Kerry, that's interesting!

I will use this stuff no problem, but will make sure I only buy 1mg/ml in future.

I'm in Calais & will try a few more pharmacies before I leave.

If I can get any different, I'll feed back.

[Nackapan]

Interesting all the different sorts and amount of fluid .

Will look before the nurse does it. I'm gaining g info as I am going to discuss with Gp if I can do sub cut between my IM at the surgery say ?monthly. Not sure how receptive she will be to this.

As 16m in I've never alleviated all symptoms and need them 2 weekly. A stepping stone .

[Dg54vuf]

I get my extra B12 from France, I inject it every other month and use the Hydrox from the doctor in between. When using the Cyanocobalamin, I draw the remaining B12 into a syringe and cap it then inject again a fortnight later, changing the needle of course. It seems to work ok for me.

[kittyflowers]

Well done Knackersyard! 4ml is a lot to inject as you say but hey....

you dont have to inject it all anyway.

Good luck tomorrow!

I wonder what will happen after Brexit with our supplies...?

[knackersyard in reply to kittyflowers]

I injected the 1st vial no problem.

My preferred injection site is tricep. The middle one that pops up when I turn arm inwards.

The 4ml caused a lump the size of an egg, but it went down within minutes.

All good.

[BadHare]

Hydroxocobalamin is OTC in Greece, too. 1mg/2mls, €4.50 for 3. One pharmacist mimed that it stings, & he was right!