Help! Does hydroxo hurt more than methyl to inject?

[Banbha]

I previously injected methylcobalamin I got in a pick of 3. It was very expensive but I just wanted to get used to it with all the instructions, right needles etc. It was super easy and didn’t even sting as much as at the doctor. I then went and ordered from the German online chemist (versando)and I’ve just tried to inject but it really hurt. Really really hurt. So I’m worried I’ve got something wrong maybe? Injection is sitting on my nightstand now. Do I just need to suck it up ☹️ Would appreciate any help. Like many people my dr is trying to minimise appointments so if I could do this myself it would be great. Thanks!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

I sort of remember something a while back about people having problems with methyl because of some of the preservatives in it so may be that is what is going on.

[Emmers5]

The sting can sometimes be from the rubbing alcohol if you don't let it evaporate completely before injecting. My daughter got a methyl injection for the first time last week as a therapeutic trial and she had no complaints (and she has HUGE issues with injections).

[mountainice in reply to Emmers5]

I don't use an alcohol wipe as I inject straight after a shower when I am clean.

[wedgewood]

If you ordered from versandapo.de your B12 ampoules would have been either Hydroxocobalamin or Cynocobalamin, because there is only one source of Methylcobalamin in Germany , and it’s from Arnika apotheke in Munich . I have injected both Methylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin, and never had a problem . That was a good suggestion from Emmers5 about letting any rubbing alcohol dry before injecting . Also, do you use a long withdrawing needle to extract the b12 from the ampoule , then an injection needle , because the withdrawing process can blunt the needle if it touches the glass of the ampoule ? A blunted needle is painful.

If you continue to get painful injections, try a numbing cream ( Amazon)

Use a fine injecting needle — nothing less than 25 G x 1inch for I.M. injections . You can use a finer and shorter needle for a sub-cutaneous injection ( 30G x 1/2 inch ) Sub-cut is an acceptable and successful method of injecting which might suit you better . Best wishes .

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Banbha.

In short....yes, it can do.

Am I right in assuming that the methylcobalamin you first tried didn't sting but that you've just bought hydroxocobalamin from versapando, and that does?

So...I use the hydroxocobalamin from versapando and it can tend to sting a little, so it's unlikely that you've done anything wrong.

The trick is to a) ensure that it's at room temperature before you inject b) inject it very very slowly c) if you use a sterile wipe, make sure that the surface residue on your skin has evaporated before you inject (wipes are no longer deemed necessary so long as your skin is clean).

If you're in the UK then your doctor will have been using hydroxocobalamin, so that's probably why when you injected the methylcobalamin if 'didn't hurt as much as at the doctor'. In other words, hydroxocobalamin is a bit more 'stingy'.

I've injected both and the hydroxocobalamin does hurt more (can sting).

I think once you realise that you haven't done anything wrong and follow the tips above, the ouch ouch will be less...and feel less scary. And it'll be easier every time.

Worth sticking with it because we all know what happens when we're short of B12😉.

Good luck x

[Banbha]

Thanks everyone, it is done! I think because I used to have to inject daily into my stomach when I was pregnant, and the 3 previous b12 injections went so smoothly, I sauntered upstairs expecting it to be fine. When it really stung I started to doubt myself. It definitely stings more but is manageable. I’m just a wuss basically. I’m lucky my gp is happy to do it every six weeks and I’m doing 2 others in between (so every 2 weeks). Self isolating now due to asthma so I’m glad I can skip the gp visits for a bit and look after myself.

You are all fab for replying - it’s just a great community here ❤️❤️

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to Banbha]

Well done Banbha.

Keep safe x

[fbirder]

I have heard of methylcobalamin stinging quite painfully. Once was when a certain charity distributed methylcobalamin that hadn't been formulated properly, so there wasn't enough salt in there. That made the solution hypoosmotic, so it burst the cells in came into contact with.

Personally, I've noticed no difference when injecting, just after injection when the methylcobalamin made me feel as if I were going mad.