B12 jab frequency

[JWPAB12]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the group today, so apologies up front if this question has been posted before.

I’m from the UK, my GP allows me to have my B12 jab every 10 weeks, however my symptoms start 2 weeks prior to the jab. Does anyone know why the B12 can’t be given and 8 week intervals?

Thanks

[Nackapan]

It can.

Bnf guidelines 2-3 months.

I would get more frequent b12 Injections

Write to tour Gp saying g tour symptoms are returning and what they are

Gps can actually prescribe more if deemed to be in the patients best interest

I have 2 weekly on prescription at present.

Welcome to the forum.

[JWPAB12 in reply to Nackapan]

Many thanks

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Have you considered joining PAS who can offer support and pass on useful info?

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

B12d.org holds support meetings near Durham, UK

b12d.org/event

Unhappy with Treatment (UK info)?

Letters to GPs about B12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

Point 1 in above link is about under treatment of B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms.

Do you have any neuro symptoms? If yes, does GP know?

If you had neuro symptoms when first diagnosed did your GP give you the recommended amount of loading doses? See BNF link down page for info on UK B12 treatment.

If you didn't get the recommended pattern of loading doses at start of treatment you may be able to get GP to give another set of loading doses.

My understanding is that letters to GP are supposed to be filed with medical notes in UK so are hopefully less likely to be ignored than info passed on verbally. Useful to have a paper trail in case there is a need for future complaint. Keep copies of anything sent to GP.

CAB NHS Complaints

citizensadvice.org.uk/healt...

MPs and devolved representatives may be worth talking to if struggling to get adequate treatment.

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

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

BMJ B12 article

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

Emphasises need to treat patients who are symptomatic even if their B12 level is within range.

BNF

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

NICE CKS

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...

I wrote very detailed replies on another forum thread with links to B12 deficiency symptoms lists, B12 books, B12 websites, UK B12 documents and other B12 info including some hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs which might have something useful.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

The pandemic is impacting patients' B12 treatment in UK.

Many UK forum members have reported injections being stopped/delayed

/frequency reduced or swapped for oral tablets.

I left a detailed reply about impact of pandemic on B12 treatment in UK in next link.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po.....

Some UK forum members feel their only option is to self treat when NHS treatment is not enough. My personal opinion is that this is a last resort but I was driven to it when unable to get any B12 treatment from NHS several years ago.

I am not medically trained.

[stuart4112015]

That's crap..you can inject once a week..my crnp has it and injects once a week..my mom and I inject once a week...doctors just do not know enough about the seriousness of vitamin deficiencies..they do not learn about it in medical school(they should!) B12 has a short half-life..it will NOT build up to toxic levels in your system..it is so safe, because it is is water-soluble..

[fbirder in reply to stuart4112015]

This is a common myth. B12 is safe because it is safe, not because it is water soluble, Hydrogen cyanide is water soluble.

[JWPAB12 in reply to stuart4112015]

Thank you

[fbirder]

They can't give you a jab more often because they don't know that the dosing guidelines change almost two years ago.

Send them a copy of this - bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

Highlight the bit that says - 1 mg every 2–3 months. Explain that 8 weeks is two months. Ask for your jabs to be given every 8 weeks.

[SwinLeon]

I got my jab frequency set to 6 weekly but only after jumping through hoops.

I was referred to an endocronologist who performed tests and reviewed blood test results which proved my B12 was dropping significantly throughout the 3 months.

He agreed to go 6 weekly (I was self injecting with online ordered B12 to supplement) and wrote to the doctor.

I still have to refer them to his letter every time I order a repeat prescription but "the system" worked for me but took over a year.

Maybe suggest a referral to an endocronologist?

[Ouchie62]

Tell your GP . They can change it to 8 weekly . I have mine 10 weekly but they have always said they can be 8 weekly if needed

[JWPAB12 in reply to Ouchie62]

Thank you, I will give this a try

[Sleepybunny in reply to JWPAB12]

I suggest you think about putting any concerns about treatment into a brief, polite letter to GP, backed up with evidence . This provides a paper trail which can be useful in case there is a need for formal complaint. Keep copies of any letters sent or received.

See letter writing link in my other post.

[jillc39]

It certainly can be given more frequently. After many many rows I now have a B12 injection every 10 days. Make sure your GP knows symptoms are returning.

[HeartyGilly]

I am in the U.K. and have jabs from my GP every 8 weeks. My husband does too.