Question:
Is it necessary to use a long needle for the B 12 shot?
I wanted to know if you could use the smaller needle. The one I was given by the pharmacy was as long as my pinky. Why can't I use the one like I was given before I came home from the hospital? I am going to have my husband give me the shot but not if I have to use the super scary needle. — diannapullen (posted on December 27, 2003)
December 27, 2003
Did you ask the pharmacist if a smaller needle could be used? It might be
worth calling him and asking. They may have given you what is in stock at
their store, but normally can order other sizes if available for that RX.
— [Deactivated Member]
December 27, 2003
B12 injection is ment to be given deep IM (intra-muscularly). It makes for
better absorption and slower release into your body. Don't let the lenght
of the needle scare you, that doesn't really matter as much as the
diameter. Do you know what guage it is??? the smaller the number the
bigger the needle. Where will you be having the injection (on your body)?
This greatly determines the lenght of the needle. Say, if you having it in
your hip, and there is a lot of fatty tissue to go through you want a
longer needle to make sure it goes in deep IM, same with any part of the
body. A lot of people don't understand that there can be well over an inch
or more of fatty tissue that you have to get through to even make it into
the muscle. Have you taken B12 sub-lingual? Hope this helps:>)
— Keri P.
December 27, 2003
My B12 needle is 3ml 35g 1". If I had a lil more fat, it'd need to be
a longer needle. I used diabetic needles when my order came in wrong. In
theory, IM gives you 100% of the B12, and sub-cu gives you 80%. My labs
dropped like a stone, as if I was getting NONE. So, yes, it does make a
difference. They all have the same point on the end and really, that's all
you feel. My husband and I shoot each other's upper arms, I do my thighs.
I think this week we'll add gluts, since it's easy, and gives us another
site.
— vitalady
December 27, 2003
I have been using a 27 gauge 1/2 inch needle for about 1 year now. I have
had no problems w/my bloodwork. Like the previous poster said, it does
depend on where your shots are given. Mine are taken in the arm so there's
not much flesh/fat to go through. This is the needle my Dr. gave me. Also
another tip his nurse gave me is this (and it does seem to help). B-12 is
a thicker substance so I buy a 18 gauge 1" needle to draw the serum up
(comes up quicker and easier than with the higher gauge) and then unscrew
that needle and screw on the 27g 1/2" needle to give the injection.
They feel that when you insert the needle into the bottle to draw the
injection it dulls the needle just a bit and you want a very sharp needle
to go into your skin so there's no hesitation on insertion. This is just
my humble opinion and what has worked well for me. Maybe it will benefit
another too. Take care and have a happy and healthy new year. p.s. all
these needles and syringes only cost me $13 for 2 years worth.
— Robin V.
December 28, 2003
I use 25g needle
— RebeccaP
December 28, 2003
HOLY MOLY! My needles are 25g, not thirty five!
— vitalady
December 28, 2003
My doctor has his patients use the sublingual B-12 tablets. I get mine from
GNC. I use one, sometimes two each day. I like them. I had 6 month
bloodwork done last week and my B-12 level was over the top! Is there some
reason you have to do the shots?
— pupandbon
December 28, 2003
My doctor wants me to take 1000mcg of Sub-Lingual Vitamin B-12 1x a week.
It can be bought at Trader Joes and it disolves under the tongue. I am
happy about this because I would have a hard time giving myself a shot. Ask
your doctor maybe you can switch. Good luck
— Stacy J.
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