Time to buy more B12: Up to date info... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Time to buy more B12

newlandvale profile image
11 Replies

Up to date info required regarding purchase of B12 ampoules, please.

I hate self injecting and normally inject 1mg x 1ml into each arm (so 2mg a week) to get it over with.

Used Rotexmedica but can now only find Hervert on Amazon.de.

I have read somewhere that Hervert are 1mg x 2ml and this is too much for arm muscle. If so, I would have to increase frequency of injections to get same amount of B12. Also pack says hydroxocobalamin and product description mentions both hydroxocobalamin and cyancobalamin.

It's times like this when I hate our "wonderful NHS"

Grateful for any links or info

Thanks

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newlandvale profile image
newlandvale
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11 Replies
jade_s profile image
jade_s

Do these links help?

Rotexmedica was renamed to Panpharma (they got bought out) so try searching for that. The 100 packs are no longer available but the standard 1mg/1mL in boxes of 10 ampoules has the reference # 16199653 .

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Also search on wedgewood's name and you will find lots of posts with other sources and info - mainly germany pharmacies.

newlandvale profile image
newlandvale in reply tojade_s

Thank you jade_s. I get ridiculously stressed out about buying b12 on internet for some reason!

jade_s profile image
jade_s in reply tonewlandvale

I was too at first, but the german pharmacies are well controlled & reliable :) They should have a special icon & registration number on their website indicating approval by the german authories.

newlandvale profile image
newlandvale in reply tojade_s

Thanks again for your help. I've now managed an order and had emails to confirm order and payment.

jade_s profile image
jade_s in reply tonewlandvale

You're very welcome. Well done! 🎉 Happy jabbing 😄

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

Ordering Panpharma B12 depot from versandapo.de ( a very reputable and reliable German Online Pharmacy , that is strictly controlled by the German Health Authorities .

These ampoules come in packs of 10 , and are 1mg x 1ml

Courier costs ( DHL) €9.00 no matter how many you order.

Usually takes 4 working days .

It is always advisable to register when you order for the first time . First of all, once registered , you will save time when ordering subsequently. Also versandapo.de run a points scheme if you are registered . You are given 200 points when you register and you are awarded 1point for every Euro you spend . 250 points represent €2.50 which you can use when you pay. Once registered , you can find out how many points you have accumulated by going into your account .

To register or log in , click on the little silhouette of a head and shoulders ( top right) and fill out the form . ITS VERY IMPORTANT TO FILL IN YOUR COUNTRY BEFORE YOU ADD THE REST OF YOUR ADDRESS . Click on the drop-down list of countries. The U.K. is written in German as “ VEREINIGTES KÖNIGREICH” ( United Kingdom)

Once you have done that , your U.K. postal code will be accepted by the computer . The computer needs to know your country before it will accept the rest of your address .

You will need to put in a password of course .

You can pay by PayPal or Bank transfer . Cards are not accepted by versandapo from U.K. customers.

Bank transfer is free if you do it with Online Banking , but costs £25.00 if you do it at your bank .

For future orders , you need to click on the silhouetted head and shoulders to log in . and give your email address and password.

You can use the pharmaceutical reference number( PZN) to order Panpharma B12 depot ( Hydroxocobalamin) This is 16199653 . You get straight to the item . Panpharma do not sell the clinic packs of 100 ampoules . The ampoules usually have a use-by date of 2 years .

At the moment courier ( DHL) cost is €9.00 no matter how many packets you buy .

You can email them -kontakt@versandapo.de

Other B12 depot( hydroxocobalamin ampoules available are ———

Hevert b12 depot pack of 10 1mgx 2ml ref.no. 06078368

Same as above but clinic pack of 100 ref. no.06078380

Pascoe pack of 10 B12 depot 1.5 mg x 1ml Ref no. 07568672

Same as above. but clinic pack of 100 Ref no. 07568695

That’s it ! Very best wishes .

juvalis.de Is another German online pharmacy , also reliable .

magskent profile image
magskent in reply towedgewood

I've been on the site and found the ampules but how do you get the syringes etc to do the injections?

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood in reply tomagskent

Sorry have to send you this long help sheet . But the information that you need is in there !

HELP FOR PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA/B12 DEFICIENT PATIENTS AND OTHERS WISHING TO SELF-INJECT B12

ALWAYS MAINTAIN STRICT HYGIENE WHEN SELF-INJECTING .

WHERE TO OBTAIN SINGLE-USE B12 DEPOT ( Hydroxocobalamin) AMPOULES

As B12 ampoules are strictly prescription only items in the U.K. we have to obtain our ampoules from reliable German online pharmacies, which are strictly controlled by the German Health authorities . These ampoules are an over-the-counter ( OTC) item in Germany ( thank goodness for their wisdom!) But only obtainable from pharmacies .

Every pharmaceutical item has its own reference number on the pharmacy site , so it’s easy to use those numbers to get straight to the item you need ,without searching .

Depending on what you want to order, here are the reference numbers to use in your search .

PANPHARMA ( previously known as Rotexmedica )

A packet of 10 ampoules of B12 Depot ( Hydroxocobalamin)

1mg x 1ml Ref no. 16199653.

Panpharma do not sell the 100 ampoule packs any longer.

HEVERT -Packet of 10 ampoules 1mg x 2ml ref no 06078368

HEVERT Packet of 100 single-use ampoules 10 x 10 packets ref no. 06078380

PASCOE -Pack of 10 ampoules 1.5 mg x 1ml ref no 07568672

PASCOE Pack of 100 ampoules ((10 x 10 packs) Ref no 07568695

Here are German online pharmacies that will ship to the U.K. by courier usually DHL FOR €9.89 no matter how many you buy .

versandapo.de ( it is in German , so you might need Google Chrome or a translation app)

It’s really best to register . You will save time with subsequent ordering ,and they have a points system if you register . 200 points when you first order , and one point for every Euro that you spend . When you have 250 points , that represents €2.50 which you can use against your next purchase .

You register and subsequently sign in by clicking on the head and shoulders silhouette top right.

When filling out the address it is important to FIRST OF ALL SELECT YOUR COUNTRY FROM THE DROP-DOWN LIST. The U.K. is shown in German as VEREINIGTES KÖNIGREICH . So click on that and then the computer will accept your postal code and the rest of your address . If you don’t do this , your address will not be accepted .

You need to pay with PayPal ( easily obtained online ) or bank transfer. Free of charge with online banking . £25.00 at your bank !Versandapo.de does not accept card payments from U.K.

juvalis.de is another German online pharmacy that will ship to U.K.

These sites are in German so you might need Google Chrome or a translation app.

amazon.de ( German Amazon) is available in English ( click on the globe to change language) On my iPad it is at the bottom of the page.

You cannot use the Pharmaceutical reference numbers on amazon.de

amazon.de does not supply Panpharma ampoules.

They do supply HEVERT and PASCOE .

When you get the ampoules, they need to be kept dark and under 25 Celsius .I keep mine in the top drawer of my fridge . It’s the warmest spot . On no account should the ampoules be frozen .

NEEDLES, SYRINGES , SWABS AND YELLOW SHARPS DISPOSAL BINS .Obtainable from ———————-

Medisave.co.uk

exchangesupplies.org

For I.M. injections. ( Intra Muscular ) use a long coarse needle to withdraw the B12 from the ampoule into the syringe . I use 21G x 1 1/2 inches.

Use a 25G x 1inch needle for the actual injection .

A 2ml syringe is needed to get every last drop of precious B12 out of a 1ml ampoule .

For a subcutaneous injection ( sub-cut) use a fine short needle - 30G x 1/2 inch

SO FIRST WASH YOUR HANDS, AND PLACE YOUR INJECTION ITEMS ON A FRESH PIECE OF KITCHEN TOWEL

Open the ampoule at its weakest point shown as a spot on the neck . Wrap a swab round the ampoule to avoid nasty cuts

Failing that buy an ampoule opener (Amazon smile and choose Pernicious Society as your charity ) There are plastic ones and sturdy metal ones .

If you are Needle -phobic , there is help in the shape of a device known as an “Auto-Injector “ available from a Danish Company

unionmedico.com

I don’t use one , but you could enquire about it from members . I know that some do use this device .

There are others , but I don’t have any information. But don’t buy needles or syringes if you are thinking about it .The device takes specific sizes for different sizes

If you are sensitive , a numbing cream is obtainable from Amazon .

I use I.M.method for injecting. I use my thighs ( the outer middle third ) I swap thighs each time I inject.

If you wish to inject sub-cut , please look it up on the Internet ( I believe it’s the tummy fat and the whole front of the thigh)

If you are injecting with B12 for the first time , please have someone with you, in case of anaphylactic shock ( like some people have after a bee-sting ) It is really very rare , but I feel obliged to tell you .

Do not worry about overdosing on B12 . You cannot . It’s a proven fact .

I’ve been self-injecting for 6 years , but I still remember shaking like a leaf 🍃when I injected for the first time ! Now it’s just routine.

Remember to include a good quantity of Vitamin B9 in your diet ( green leafy veg) It works together with B12 . It’s called folate in food and folic acid in a tablet. You could take a modest 400 mcg tablet daily. ( these are recommended in pregnancy . ) You cannot overdose on folate in food , but you can overdose on folic acid in tablets .

TO INJECT INTRAMUSCULARLY

Flick the ampoule to get all the B12 into the bottom .Open it by either wrapping a swab around it to avoid cutting yourself , or use an ampoule opener . Break it at the weakest point , which is marked with a spot on the neck of the ampoule

Use a 2ml syringe .(with a 1ml syringe ,it’s impossible to get every last drop of precious B12 out of the ampoule!) Fix the withdrawing needle on the end of the syringe . Pull out the plunger on the syringe and SLOWLY inject air into the ampoule . Now pull out the plunger and all the precious B12 will be sucked up into the syringe . Now take off the withdrawing needle and replace it with the injection needle .. Now press out the air in the syringe , until a tiny bead of red B12 appears on the needle tip.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO INJECT INTO THE VASTUS LATERALIS MUSCLE. ( it’s nearest the surface of your thigh in the middle outside third of your thigh - look up info online .There are also diagrams of the thigh and the muscle ) Inject at 90 degrees .

For sub cut please refer to internet , as I’ve not used this method , or ask members on the forum .

After injecting please dispose of needles into a yellow sharps bin . When full, ask your local council how you can dispose of the full bin . Disposal varies in different areas . I can take mine to a local chemist .

Sometimes Pernicious Anaemia Patients suffer with “gut” problems , tummy pain and bloating etc . This happens because P.A. patients have low or no stomach acid . Hypochlorhydria/ Achlorhydria. ( due to the destruction of their parietal cells by antibodies ) The intrinsic factor is also destroyed . This low acid environment allows bad bacteria to flourish, which upsets the flora ( good bacteria ) in the stomach . Some P,A. patients find that taking an acidic drink like diluted organic cider -apple vinegar , lime / lemon juice with meals ,especially protein meals , really helps this .

The greatest help for my “gut” problems was a probiotic called Symprove , a water-based liquid . But there are probiotic capsules The probiotic encourages the growth of the good stomach flora . Also good to take after a course of anti-biotics , which destroy all bacteria good and bad .

Natural probiotics work well e.g. Organic sauerkraut , real yoghurt, kimchi and kefir .

Since getting the B12 treatment I need by getting adequate B12 injections, and the probiotic Symprove, the gut problems have disappeared . I no longer need Symprove ..

It is a good idea to eat smaller meals more often if one has low stomach acid ( as Pernicious Anaemia patients do ). Also chew food very thoroughly, giving the enzymes in saliva a good chance to start the breakdown of the food .

In severe cases of very low or no stomach acid ( Hypochlorhydria / Achlorhydria ) a capsule called Betaine Hydrochloric acid with pepsin will increase the acid in the stomach .( Amazon smile) Taken at mealtimes , can be used , but best to ask a nutritionist about dosage . It will vary according to how much stomach acid you have . There are instructions about dosage online .

A modest multi-vitamin and mineral tablet can also be helpful , as a low acid stomach is not good at absorbing minerals and vitamins .

STOMACH ACID IS VERY IMPORTANT .

WELL DONE -YOU’VE MADE IT !

MY BEST WISHES TO YOU !

magskent profile image
magskent in reply towedgewood

Wedgewood, that must have taken you ages to put together. It is highly appreciated. My GP has just decided to reduce my injections, no consultation with me. Before, with consultant agreement I was having them weekly to keep levels above 2000. This has been going on for years and allows me to fully function. Now, they want to just slash them to monthly. A, now retired, nurse had taught my partner to do the injections and I would just go to the surgery once every 3 months for a check up, a jab, and a supply of needles and syringes. They have now also stopped giving me these. Hence why looking at how to beat them at their own game and keep my life as good as I can get it. Thank you so much for your time and advice.

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood in reply tomagskent

It’s truly shocking what P.A. patients are experiencing now . And to think how cheap a B12 injection is . The doctor’s motto is “ DO NO HARM !” The harm that is being done to patient’s health , is enormous !It is very worrying indeed .

newlandvale profile image
newlandvale

Thanks for that information. I did manage to order eventually. Will take your advice and register - every bit helps so will go for the points next time

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