B12 injections

[Collywobbles43]

After having persistent chest infection my gp did further bloods which showed my b12 levels are almost non existent. Had my 1st injection today and it's made me feel as if I have a bad dose of flu. Is this a normal side effect does anyone know plz

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

This link mentions possible side effects from hydroxycobalamin injections.

BNF

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

Some people may experience a drop in potassium levels (hypokalaemia) when they start B12 injections. Is your GP monitoring your potassium levels? Some forum members try to eat potassium rich foods eg bananas.

Personally I would not take potassium supplements unless they were prescribed by a GP as excess potassium levels in body can cause issues.

How many loading injections are you having and how often will you have B12 injections after the loading jabs are finished?

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

What does GP think is causing your low b12?

Have you been tested for PA (Pernicious Anaemia), Coeliac disease , H Pylori infection and other gut conditions?

Risk Factors for PA and B12 Deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...

Do you have any neurological symptoms?

1) UK recommended treatment pattern for B12 deficiency without neuro symptoms is ...

6 B12 loading jabs over 2 weeks followed by a jab every 2 or 3 months

2) UK recommended treatment pattern for B12 deficiency WITH neuro symptoms is ...

A B12 loading jab every other day for as long as symptoms continue to get better then a jab every 2 months

Useful B12 book

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book does not show updated BNF info.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS tel no 01656 769717 answerphone

I wrote a very detailed reply on another forum thread with lots of links to B12 info eg B12 books, B12 websites, UK B12 documents/articles etc.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I am not medically trained.

[Nackapan]

Yrs I've had those flu like symptoms but without the temperature. All sort happen as tiur nerves wake up.

Not pleasant . Just think of it as repair work going on.

TC

[Gambit62 Administrator]

there are a lot of processses going on in your body that need B12 to run properly - the immune system is one of them - and can seem to go into overdrive when your body gets sufficient B12 - and many of the symptoms we associate with being ill are actually the body's way of fighting infection so you may be feeling that.

People often do feel worse to start off with but it does wear off.

[Happy-go-lucky]

Hi I didn’t get any side affects but just a boost of energy and a sore arm. Maybe you were getting the flu. But I would just mention to your doctor x