Can you trust private B12 injections?

[SKalila]

Hi everyone. I have been recommended B12 injections by my private GP and so far it's been a nightmare figuring out how to get the loading doses (she's the other side of the country). I have been recommended 6 loading doses followed by monthly injections. I am not quite ready for self-injecting just yet.

I have approached my NHS GP who tested me and won't give me injections because my levels aren't low enough.

So my question is, if I find a beautician who does this, can I trust them? I have health anxiety and allowing a non-medical person to inject me seems risky. Anything could be in the vial... Coloured water, for all I know!

Are people who give B12 injections licensed in any way? Is there any sort of safeguarding or safety measures needed? I found one woman who replied to my initial inquiry and she avoided answering my questions: do you use a filter needle and are you trained to deal with me if I have an anaphylactic shock?

Any help very gratefully received!! I feel like I am losing my bloody marbles!

Is there anywhere else I can go for these injections??

[Narwhal10]

Hi SKalila,

Sorry to hear you are having a difficult time. If I am correct, the most important aspect is that you feel comfortable and safe having treatment. So, going to a beauticians for loading doses is not ideal.

However, there was a recent post from Greyfeathers (I think - sorry my memory is rubbish) about Superdrug which offer a nurse run clinic.

They would need your private G.P. to fill out a form or prescription and they administer at a cost. I hope this is an option and I haven’t given you wrong information. X

healthclinics.superdrug.com...

[SKalila in reply to Narwhal10]

Hi Narwhal. Thank you. Yes, I found Superdrug as well and was very excited at the prospect, but the nearest clinic that does B12 injections is many miles away. I spoke to them today and the only thing they could say was "try a closer clinic in a couple of weeks" but with another lockdown looming, I fear this may not be an option.

Thank you for your sympathy. I am glad other people feel the same as I do with the beautician. Just doesn't feel right, but I am quickly thinking this will be a viable option, other than seeking out another private GP who will likely feel as my NHS GP feels - that I am not deficient enough for injections.

[Narwhal10 in reply to SKalila]

I’m in an area where there has been another lockdown but providing you have a reasonable excuse which I interpret to include being treated for a medical condition. So, an email from your private G.P. or letter stating vit b12 deficiency etc.

Like Nackapan said many private places. Xx

[3rdNettydoon in reply to SKalila]

I've been to a local chemist two times for B12 injections.

It is expensive at £30 for each injection.

I believe Boots chemist to B12 injections.

[SKalila in reply to 3rdNettydoon]

I asked at my local Boots and they don't do it, might be worth asking head office though, thanks!

[Yahaci]

I would not go to a beautician to administer an injection.

[SKalila in reply to Yahaci]

Why do you feel that way? I feel it too, but am curious how other people feel about this. Thanks!

[Yahaci in reply to SKalila]

I guess for similar reasons

[Nackapan]

There are many private gps and hospitals and chemists.

Ask your Gp where to go ? You need to feel confident . No more anxiety needed.

I do subcutaneous b12 I jections at home.

Another less daunting option perhaps in the future once you know you are okay on injections

The first one shoukd be done in a Medical setting incase of a reaction.

[SKalila in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks Nackapan. That's a good idea. I will have to wait mostly likely two weeks to speak to my NHS GP - everything seems to take forever at the moment!

Yes, I think SI is the way forward, I just want to establish that I feel ok with injections first. I've heard they can make some people feel worse or low mood.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

If the B12 ios not being administered for medical reasons then it won't be covered by the same standards as would be the case for medical B12 - eg the amount of B12 could vary - but think this is unlikely with an injection as I suspect they will have sourced B12 that is of a pharmaceutical grade - you could always ask about the source of B12 if you are concerned.

[fbirder in reply to Gambit62]

Yup. B12 ampoule are so cheap that it probably wouldn’t be worth the hassle of trying to get fakes made.

If you ask them to see the unopened ampoule beforehand then you can be fairly sure you’re getting the right stuff.

[SKalila in reply to Gambit62]

I asked and she said the B12 is a prescription, but no idea how she gets it. I have no idea how it works when a beautician injects you. I asked if she was trained to use filter needles and deal with shock and she ignored my questions.

[Bonjourtristesse]

There is Reviv, which is a chain of clinics that provide iv’s and injections. All their staff are ex nurses from the nhs. Whereabouts are you?

[SKalila in reply to Bonjourtristesse]

That's good to know! I want someone trained. I'm in Bucks, UK. Thanks!

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to SKalila]

I’m not sure where the nearest one would be, maybe London? gb.revivme.com/locations/#

[Lurcher-lady]

How about doing your own

[SKalila in reply to Lurcher-lady]

Probably eventually. Not ready for that yet.

[DoSiDo3]

I had been going to B12 "clinics" here in Texas but realized, as a long-term commitment, I did not want to wait until they were available, drive, and pay the cost. I started subscribing to B12 delivery and doing my own shots about two months ago. I was terrified but it really is no big deal. (I did drink a glass of wine before the first ) I saw a UK company selling powdered B12 Methylcobalamin, I think it's Olympia Pharmacy. Good luck!

[fbirder in reply to DoSiDo3]

The problem with using powdered B12 to make up your own shots is contamination. There is no way at all that you can ensure that it's sterile, so you could end up injecting all sorts of bacteria and fungi into yourself.

That's why we advise not to do this but to use single-dose ampoules only.

[Bellabab]

Could I suggest that you try experimenting with injecting an orange perhaps every other day for a few weeks. Inject some water, using a syringe and needles from Medisave. I suspect this practice would remove a lot of your worries about self injecting. Another alternative is to find a friend, acquaintance or relative who could do it for you.

[SKalila in reply to Bellabab]

Good idea, thank you. I'm not really concerned about the self-injecting generally. My issue is purchasing all the gear needed, only to discover the shots make me feel worse. I imagine this is unlikely, but what would I do with a bulk supply of needles etc if I decide self-injecting isn't the way I want to go? It just seems sensible to get someone to do the first lot and for me to feel comfortable with the whole thing and then I can SI.

[Ronsville2 in reply to Bellabab]

Yes, When I was at work in GP practice, the nurses used the orange system fir trainees.