B12 in buttock or arm?

[Onwardsandupwards7]

Hi I have been having 3 monthly injections on NHS for nearly 20 years. From the start they were given in the buttock, but the trend at my GP surgery is now to be in the arm. I did try this once about 10 years ago, but found it quite uncomfortable, and the affect didn't last. I am now struggling to get my B12 on time, as there is only one nurse that can do it in my usual way. Has anyone had experience of both injection sites, should I persevere or do you find that the arm site is just as good?

[Technoid]

B12 intramuscular injections are normally given into the outer thigh as shown at the page below, Some do inject subcutaneous instead however I'm not as familiar with those injection sites.

guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/heal....

[Nackapan]

I have both IM and sc .Thd subcutaneous b12 injections csn be given into your stomach.

2" away from belly button.

Thighs

His

Upper arms

Anywhere you can hold z smsll roll of flesh.

As if only needs to go into your fat layer.

27-30G 1/2" needle is suitable

Any finer is usually used for insulin .

Less volume.

I personally have used

30G 1/2 " fof the ladt 5+ years successfully.

Thd nurse does my IMb1e in the detoid muscle . Upper arm.

I presently get an NHS prescription to Injrct at home .

Itx Bern chslkengdc many times .

[DiSews]

My understanding is that IM injections in the buttock are now discouraged as you can easily hit a nerve if you don't line it up correctly. I think it is now considered quite 'old school'. Upper arm (deltoid) is considered a good safe spot which is why most vaccinations are given there. It is pretty standard for any IM injections, worldwide. You just don't want to go too high if you are injecting yourself as you can hit the shoulder capsule. Outer thigh is good and safe, and not so exacting, which is why every is taught to use that for 'epipen' injections and it's easier to self administer B12 there than upper arm. Sub cutaneous is even easier, and safe and effective for B12, in the tummy the same way most diabetics take their insulin. (@Nackapan is my guru on Subcutaneous SI)

Most of my upper arm injections have been painless- I only remember one of many that hurt. I am injecting myself frequently in the thigh, and every now and then one will hurt, most are painless. Don't be discouraged by one painfully injection 10 years ago.

Take care 🫂

[PrinceofDenmark]

I suggest you self inject intra muscular in the quadriceps in mid thy or sub cutaneous in belly. Has worked well for me. Nurses can train you and provide needles etc. I find it less painful as I inject slowly.

[Sailinglady]

IM into buttock is the least painful side because it's the largest muscle you can inject into. Arm can be painful for some people (as can any of the injection sites).Landmarking is important with Buick injections to avoid hitting the sciatic nerve, but if don't properly it is very safe.

They should be equally effective, irrespective of which muscle they're injected into.

[WotNotAgainM8]

Similar timeframe for me self injecting and I inject into my thigh. It does not really matter, just inject into a large mass of muscle.

[New144]

I’ve always had the B12 injected into the upper arm at GP surgery (since 2003) - can be quite painful depending on the nurse that administers! Apparently they shouldn’t inject the buttocks any more, owing to discovering it risks damaging the sciatic nerve (I had it this way only once when in hospital). I always self-inject my outer thigh - I find it far less uncomfortable than the bicep! 😊

[New144]

eastwoodprimarycarecentre.n... Thought this was quite a helpful video - note the 25G/(1inch) 25mm safety needles I get from Medisave don’t look like the one used, though 👍

[Onwardsandupwards7]

Thank you everyone, I have learnt a lot from your replies! I will have a chat with the nurse at the next appointment as to the best way forward. It's made me also think about self injecting as this would also save a nurse appointment and gives me more control.

[Hockey_player in reply to Onwardsandupwards7]

Self-injecting is so much more convenient and it gives you complete control over the injection schedule. My husband does my injections for me in my arm. I do it about once per week since I start getting symptoms back around 3 weeks. Best wishes!