As I don't hold out much hope of obtaining B12 injections any time soon (or at all) from my GP, I'm thinking it's now time to plan self injection of B12. I have a GP appt next week where I will raise B12 injections based on Endo recommending them last week, (given my neurological symptoms and a 50% reduction B12 over 12 months), but the response this morning from Advanced Nurse Practitioner makes me think this is not going to be acted on. She said that the GP would have to ring the Endo and discuss as the recommendation goes against guidelines. She would not say which guidelines.
Anyway...can anyone in this wonderful forum help me think through the best way to go about planning this? What form the injections are in - with a needle attached or not? Reputable brands and doses? Sources and costs? Thank you so much.
I have friends who are nurses/midwives who can teach me how to do this safely.
Maybe this has to be by private message - I'm not sure of protocol. Thanks 🙏
Written by
Caradoc1a
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Yes , self injecting is really satisfactory and reaonably cheap . Should not cost more than £2.00 for an injection ( that includes the cost of the b12 depot ampoule , needles , syringe and alcohol swab )
I have lost all my saved instructions so I will send a quickly constructed information sheet .
WE OBTAIN OUR B12 ampoules from German online pharmacies . These pharmacies are strictly controlled by the German health authorities.
This is a reliable pharmacy which many members use . They use DHL courier which costs €9.90 no matter how many packs of ampoules you buy . You can pay with PayPal or Bank Transfer .
They stock the most popular brand called Panpharma B12 Depot . “ DEPOT” indicates that the type of B12 is Hydroxocobalamin , which is the kind that the NHS uses. Hydroxocobalamin is written on the packet . The ampoules are 1mg x 1ml . The reference number for this item is 16199653. If you search with this number , you get straight to the item . This site is in German , so you might need to use Google Chrome or a translation app.
If the ampoules are out of stock ( nicht lieferbar) It usually takes a day or two for them to be back in stock .
It usually takes 4 working days for delivery .
apohealth.de Also reliable . Available in English ( click on the Union Jack , Bottom Left on my device .
It pays to compare prices .
amazon.de also stock the Hevert b12 depot and Pascoe b12 depot brands.( “DEPOT “ indicates Hydroxocobalamin ) But not Panpharma
This site is available in English . They deliver for a reasonable charge using their own courier service.
Reference numbers cannot be used on Amazon .This site can be obtained in English .
When filling out the address form on the German online pharmacy sites , you MUST PUT IN THE COUNTRY FIRST OF ALL. . U.K. CAN BE SHOWN ON THE DROP-DOWN LIST AS “ GROSSBRITTANIEN” , or “ VEREINIGTES KÖNIGREICH “ United Kingdom etc . This will enable your post code and the rest of your address to be accepted by the computer. If you don’t do this , you won’t be able to continue and place your order , and you might start tearing your hair out!
Price — Panpharma b12 depot retail price in German high street pharmacies is €10.16 for a Pack of 10 ampoules . But online pharmacies always give discounts .
For I.M. ( Intramuscular ) and Sub-cut ( subcutaneous)
2.5ml syringes ( for 1 or 2 ml ampoules )
My favourite syringe is the luer lock type. You can “screw” the needle onto the syringe , which makes it really secure .
Withdrawal needles- Coarse long needles say 19G x 1 1/2 inches or blunt withdrawal needles - 1 1/2 inches
———————————————————————— For I. M. Injections. - 26G x 1 inch needle or 25G x 1inch needle . ( injecting into the Vastus Lateralis muscle. Into the middle outer third of the thigh , where that muscle is nearest the surface )
————————————————————————
For subcutaneous injections. 30G x 1/2 inch needle into the tummy fat , or the front of the thigh .
No, It’s the type of injection that makes a difference . Intra-muscular injection ( longer needle ) gets into the blood quicker because muscles are well supplied with blood vessels . Sub-cutaneous injections ( short needles ) are into the fat layer , not so well-endowed with blood vessels , so absorbtion is slower .
It varies according to where you live . I can take mine to a local chemist . Sometimes your council has a collection service . Do phone your council . .
NB...don't order over £nnn worth of B12 (incl. postage) or your order will attract import tax.Hopefully someone can confirm that I'm quoting correct value
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