Unused needle with tiny red dots of hardened B12 liquid inside from previous tinkering - safe to use???

[Lolem]

I'm new here and would be very grateful for some advice.

I need to urgently self-inject some B12, but realise I'm right out of new needles and am struggling to get hold of new ones.

There's an old needle that I've never actually injected myself with, but I did use it once to draw up some B12 out of an ampoule. The needle now has a couple of tiny red dots of hardened B12 liquid inside the hub.

I assume that this needle will probably still be safe to use?

[helvella]

Sterility NOT guaranteed the moment the seal is broken on the needle’s containing packaging.

Please don’t even think of using it.

[Lolem in reply to helvella]

Thanks so much for the quick response.

Then I'm in a bit of a hole. The pharmacies in the UK refuse to sell me a needle without a prescription and the doctor refuses to write one. The doctor wants me to come to the clinic to be injected by the nurse but I'm 100 miles away without transport. ☹️

[helvella in reply to Lolem]

Buy online? There are plenty of suppliers but I cannot recommend one. Hopefully someone else will soon. Might cost a bit in postage but I’d expect you to be able to get some pretty quickly.

[Lolem in reply to helvella]

Fantastic! I had previously looked on Amazon but, after seeing that they weren't available, had assumed that it was not possible to buy online in the UK. However, I've just found an online medical supplier and I should have some in 2 or 3 days. Thanks again!!

[helvella in reply to Lolem]

Thank goodness for that.

[JanD236 in reply to Lolem]

Go to a needle exchange. Google it for your area. My local one is in Boots pharmacy with another in the pharmacy at Sainsbury’s.

Just say you need a needles kit for IM injections and they’ll let you have what you want, including a sharps box. You don’t have to leave your name or details.

[Lolem]

That's good to hear. I've used Medisupplies this time, but if they are not any good then I will definitely try Medisave next. Thank you!

[Bonjourtristesse in reply to Lolem]

I use Medisave. I agree, don't reuse the needle under any circumstances. Definitely not safe.

[Nackapan]

I would not use it.

New needles should not be hard to obtain.

Online

Pharmacies

Needle exchange

[FlipperTD]

'Sterile' and 'disposable' needles are just that. Sealed package: Safe. Opened package: Throw it away. The needle exchange solution below is a really good idea. Be safe. Life's tricky enough!

[Tuscansun]

Noooooooooo! Once it’s open it should be either used or disposed.

[Hidden]

NEVER!!!!! Buy some on eBay.

[deniseinmilden]

exchangesupplies.co.uk

[Pixielula]

I use medisave never ever ever use a needle that has been used! And by drawing up some b12 that’s a used needle!