Switching from IM to SC?

[pipple]

Hi All,

I just wondered if anyone has switched from IM to SC, or if anyone can advise what needle is required for SC please?

I've always self injected B12 IM but the last few months I've found it really difficult and always bleeding/bruising so thinking of moving to SC if that would be easier? Is it a much shorter/finer needle?

Thanks!

[wedgewood]

I changed from I.M. to S.C. but I’ve changed back . Both methods work 100% . The most commonly used needle for S.C. is 30 G x 1/2 inch obtainable from Medisave . I used a shorter needle 30G x 6mm ( Amazon ) , which I think was a mistake . It made lumps under the skin , so I reverted to I.M with which I have no problem . I believe that using S.C. causes the B12 to be released more slowly than I.M.which is good.

[pipple in reply to wedgewood]

Thanks Wedgewood! Appreciate it - I'll have a look at the 30gx1/2 inch and might give it a go.

[Nackapan in reply to pipple]

I've done this for over 5 years now.Also have an IM b12 injection 6 weekly.

27-30 G needle suitable

1/2 " minimum to deliver 1 ml of fluid .

Insulin needles can be shorter as less liquid/ insulin injected.

2" away from belly button

Outer thighs

Hips

Make a small roll of flesh.

[Pa234aw in reply to wedgewood]

Wedgewood, did you draw up using the 30g needle? I’ve been drawing up and using a 25g needle for SC but I’d like to try a finer needle. Thanks.

[wedgewood in reply to Pa234aw]

I always use 2 needles A long 1 1/2 inch needle to draw up and the fine 30G needle to inject . If the injection needle is used to draw up , it inevitably touches the glass ampoule , which makes it blunt . That means a painful injection.

[Pa234aw in reply to wedgewood]

I’ve been lucky so far using the same needle but I’ve been very careful about not blunting the needle! I think I’ll draw up using my supply of 25g and inject with a 30g. Thanks.

[Wheat]

hello, apart from loading doses which were I.M. I have s.i. subcutaneously injected only for nearly 18 months.

Used mainly yellow BD 1/2 " 30g needle. Also now use recommended 8mm combined needle/syringe for Methylcobalamin.

Currently also use 6mm needle that wedgewood mentions with no issues so far.

Subcutaneous is easier for me, bruising can be stopped or limited by applying gentle pressure to the site for about a minute.

Many more areas can be used which is beneficial if one has to inject multiple times per day.

x

[pipple in reply to Wheat]

Thanks Wheat! I bought the BD 30g half inch needles earlier to give it a try. So fingers crossed!

[jaybirdxNHM]

I inject in this order. IM left thigh,right thigh, SC left tum.right tum. Makes a change ,and seems to work.

[pipple in reply to jaybirdxNHM]

May I ask, what's the benefit to mixing up IM with SC? Thanks. I usually IM in alternating thighs so was just going to do the same but SC instead.

[jaybirdxNHM]

As I inject EOD, it's to minimise bruising and boredom 🥴😂