Self injecting Hydroxocobalamin subcutaneously

[fireflymairi]

I originally planned to self inject Methylcobalamin subcutaneously, but I've been informed that the method/supply I was planning on using is not ideal.

So - Plan B!

I have obtained some Hydroxocobalamin 1mg/1ml ampoules and am hoping to use these instead. The appear to be the same as what the doctor uses, but a different brand.

The needles (that I originally bought for the Methyl B12) are Insulin syringes. They are 0.3ml, 0.25mm (31G) x 8mm. I'm 99% sure that these are correct for SC injections in the stomach.

However - the B12 I have says on the packet "Solution for intramuscular use only".

My question is - can I use this for injecting subcutaneously, even though it says not to?

My plan is to use 2 needles per injection session to use at least use two-thirds of the 1mL ampoule, to reduce waste.

Or - do I need to go to Plan C - which is getting the correct syringes/needles to do IM injections?

I'll add photos of the items I'm planning on using below.

[fireflymairi]

This is the back of the Neo-B12 box.

Neo-B12 box back

[fireflymairi]

And these are the syringes/needles.

Needles

[wedgewood in reply to fireflymairi]

Hydroxocobalamin can be injected subcutaneously . On my packets of Hydroxocobalamin which i get from Germany , it is printed . I read on this forum that members successfully use sun-cut .. But you may find it difficult to extract the B12 from the ampoule ( because of its shortness ) unless you can master the method of extraction by inverting the opened ampoule . ( I’m unable to do this -I just lose the contents of the ampoule )

i have to extract the B12 using a separate syringe ( 2 ml) to which i attach a long needle -1 1/2 inch ! After extraction , I then attach the injection needle -in my case a 25G x 1 inch as i inject I.M. You would then use a 30G x 1/2 inch needle for sub-cut

But anyhow sub - cut is a perfectly acceptable method of administering B12 . Best wishes .

[fireflymairi in reply to wedgewood]

Oh right, that's a good point about extracting the B12 from the ampoule, I didn't think of that! The needles are very short. I'll see how I go, I might have to get different syringes/needles after all.

Thank you for your best wishes!

[Sammyo23]

It's just b12. It doesn't matter how you inject it. There won't be any difference. What you're describing is how I self inject. But I use up the entire ampule.

[fireflymairi in reply to Sammyo23]

So you have no issues with injecting the full 1ml subcutaneously into the belly?

Seems like a lot, but then again I have zero experience with this so not sure what I'm basing that on exactly. 😅

[Sammyo23 in reply to fireflymairi]

Yeah, that's the only way I do it. I didn't have the courage to do IM back when I first started SI.

I inject the entire ampule in one single sitting. In your case, it should take 4 injections to get it all in. You'll want to invest in some bigger syringes later to save time.

You just grab the most fatty part of your stomach, make sure to alcohol wipe it or soap it up, wash it, and air dry it, and then you're good to go.

It doesn't even hurt that bad.

You're making sure to keep your b12 in darkness though, right? I always ask this to spare someone from potentially destroying their vitamins.

[fireflymairi in reply to Sammyo23]

I've got this box of 100 insulin needles I want to try and use up first, but we'll see how long I persevere with that. 😅

Thanks for the tips!

Yup, the B12 is in the box in a dark cupboard.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

suggest you get 1ml needles to reduce number of injections. Its probably okay for subQ but it would be worth checking with pharmacist. Also make sure you read the leaflet though it will probably just confirm what is on the packaging and conforming with local (Australian) licensing arrangements.

[fireflymairi in reply to Gambit62]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if it's some law or licensing issue that means that notice has to be put on the packet and in the instructions.

As long as it's exactly the same stuff that other people are injecting subcutaneously, then I'm fine with giving it a try!

[Nackapan]

The length of needle is for insulin use.31G is very fine I've only gone to 30G as more fluid to inject with b12 .

My husband uses this size for insulin in s pen.

I use 1/2 long needles not sure how that converts into mm

27-30G usually recommended for sc b12

To do a Sc you need to make a small roll of flesh at least 2"away from your belly button.

You csn inject in your thighs arms or anywhere suitable with fat .

The Hydroxocobalamin I get on prescription does not state subcutaneous use on the box as in the UK its not licensed fir SC.

The same sort bought for Gernany does have SC on the Box.

I uses both brands for SC b12 injections

I'm not familiar with the box you've got but the brand I am.

I've certainly have neo cytamen hydrox at the surgery

Rotexmedica (bought from Germany)

Gerot snd lannoch

Accord

Those I'm familiar with and inject.

To double check you coukd ask a pharmacist. It looks the same .

Or a forum member who knows the science

I uses single use ampoules .

You coukd ask for the leaflet at yiur surgery b12 injection.

I dud this to compare content if injections

Not sure what yiu mean about using 2/3 of injections snd 2 neefkrs to avoid waste?

Oh I see now.

Yes get new needles snd a 2ml syringe

.

[fireflymairi in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks Nackapan!

I gave it a try with the tiny insulin syringe/needle this morning and yes it was bit annoying as I only was able to draw two 0.3ml syringes before the tiny needles couldn't reach into the ampoule any more.

I did manage to get the first two by jamming the base of the needle into the ampoule opening, it fitted perfectly. Then I just turned it upside down and drew.

It's wasteful though and I don't think I'll persevere with that method, even though I have a nearly entire box of 100 insulin needles to get rid of now!

So I'll aim to get some 1-2ml syringes and 1/2" (13mm) needles.

[waveylines]

You know the cost of replacing the needles would be well worth it! You are going to have to give yourself three injections for the full dose of B12. Thats a lot of extra puncture marks. Id buy the 2ml syringes green and orange/yellow needles. Medisave uk is good but there are other suppliers. The green needles i use to draw up and then replace the needle with the yellow/,orange one. You will need a sharps bin too. I've been doing subcut for three years plus. Twice daily. I rotate round thighs and stomach. Nurse said I dont need to use alcohol wipes so haven't for last year. Been fine. (Saves a bit of money too!)

If you look on U tube there are videos on how to do subcut. Unless gp has agreed to this treatment no nurse, pharmacist or doctor will show you.....not worth the risk to their job.