Hi, currently on 1000mcg/1ml methycobalimin SI that comes in 10ml vial. Wanted to change due to cost.
Ordered 1ml ampules of hydroxocobalimin from Pasco in Germany. It says 1ml per ampule and 1500ug. Pic of what I received.
From what I understand mcg and ug are the same measurement so seems the Pasco ampules are stronger. Am I right? I think it's ok to increase my weekly dose or should I inject less of the Pasco? If so how much less?
I looked for videos online about how to use ampules. The one decent video I found showed breaking the top of the ampule then turning upside down like you would with a vial. None of the liquid poured out? Is this how the ampules work? I'm questioning because I see that some of the amule tops are filled with b12 so doesn't look like the liquid stays in the base of ampule.
Also, doing subcutaneous, the needle is so small, not sure how I'd get all the b12 out if thers no seal where I can turn the amule upside down and put the needle in. Pic of vials so you can see b12 at top.
It's probably simple but I feel overwhelmed.
Eta not sure it will let me post 2 pics
Written by
Iheartb12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thanks for walking me through it. May I ask what is the purpose of changing the needle gage? Is the length different between the 21 and 30 gage you use?
I'm sure it's an unfounded fear but worried about tiny glass slivers getting into needle.
Yes , the individual ampoules are capable of being turned upside down without spilling their contents . But you need to flick them at the top of the ampoule to get all the contents into the bottom of the ampoule before you open them . You can use an ampoule cutter to do this safely( obtainable from Amazon ) This can save you from bad cuts . The spot on the neck of the ampoule shows you where the weakest part of the neck is .
i find this quite tricky , so I extract the contents with a long 1 1/2 inch withdrawing needle into a 2ml syringe . Then , if injecting subcutaneously, I change to a short needle of 30 gauge x 1/2 inch or if injecting Intramuscularly, I use a 27 gauge x. 1 inch needle Then expel any air that is in the syringe until a drop of red B12 appears on the top of the needle . The higher the gauge , the thinner the needle .
It is not necessary to use a filter needle to extract the B12 , but if you are really scared of shards of glass you can obtain such long needles. They are quite expensive compared to the usual needles . Search for “ Filter Needles “ from your supplier . That should put your mind at rest . But as I said , not necessary. But peace of mind is important . Best wishes .
Yes it is and I use that method. I also hold the body of the ampoule in a length of aluminium tube which is just wide enough to slip the ampoule into it. This gives me extra leverage so makes the cracking easier.
I use the wrapper of the syringe to break off the top of the ampoule - learnt that from a video. I liked the dual purpose ! Snap cleanly away from you with dot facing you. Draw up with a longer needle, which will then be blunted on the glass bottom of ampoule so needs changing.
I have heard here many times that you can turn the ampoule upside down but never actually wanted to try, just in case I wasted valuable B12.
If you keep B12 in the fridge, don't allow it to freeze. When you take an ampoule out allow it to warm up first before using (hands/bra/pocket). It is then more liquid and more at blood temperature - so easier and less stingy.
If using an antiseptic wipe, allow skin to dry out first - less stingy.
It should not hurt.
If intramuscular injections : use smaller blue needle (I now use 1") when injecting, flick syringe to ensure no air bubbles trapped in liquid, use plunger to expel air from needle - if a drop appears on tip of needle, flick syringe to remove it as it can sting a bit otherwise. Then inject into middle third of outer part of thigh. If you tense muscles, you can see where a good place might be. Relax muscles and give yourself plenty of time. Then relax more ! Slowly and smoothly with the needle, and then with plunger even slower. Otherwise can feel a bit like lead going in if too fast, even when warmed up.
I try to do alternate left/right leg - but often do right leg more often, as right-handed and easier for me. Bit lazy ?
you need to flick the top so it’s goes into the vial and snap off top where the dot is. Be careful when snapping top! off! if you are right handed hold vail in left hand the dot should be facing you. Use a tissue folded ( I use syringe paper) then snap away from you. Use you syringe and green needle to draw up liquid then swap needle to orange small needle and inject (SC) subcutaneous under skin.
I inject Pasco 1500 ug ever third day. It saves me money & time and I find it works very well and the average dose is very similar to 1000 ug every other day.
Someone else was telling me I should use 2 needles. If I had B12 like that I think I would. My B12 comes in a bigger 10 dose vial with a rubber seal on top of it. It is easy to get one dose out of the vial without bumping the tip of my needle on it. Because I am not breaking glass, there is no worry about getting glass in the needle. I see now what they may have been saying...
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Members using b12 powder, vial, insulin needle? 
b12 vials multiuse 
How long do ampules take to come from Germany?
