Where Do You Inject B12 Shots?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For intramuscular injections, the common sites for B12 injections are the

arm, upper buttocks, and thigh

. Subcutaneous injections can be administered at the side or back of the upper arm, lower abdomen, and front of the thigh.

Can you inject B12 wrong?


Injecting in the wrong area can cause an abscess to form under the skin

. To avoid this only inject in the area recommended by your nurse or doctor. Do not inject into a painful or inflamed area. Seek medical advice if this happens.

Is B12 subcutaneous or intramuscular?

Vitamin B12 is rapidly absorbed from

intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC)

sites of injection; peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour after IM injection.

Should B12 be given IM or SUBQ?

The most common methods for injecting Vitamin B12 is

either intramuscular or subcutaneous

. Intravenous is usually done under hospital care when patients are in dire need of receiving large doses rapidly. Subcutaneous injections are administered under the skin into fat between the skin and muscle.

Can you feel worse after B12 injection?

Injection Site Reactions


Pain, redness, and swelling may occur shortly after the procedure is complete

. There may also be some irritation in the area, as well as a risk of infection. Be sure to follow all doctors’ orders with regard to wound care to prevent serious infection.

What are the side effects of B12 injections?


Pain/redness at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body

may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

How quickly do B12 injections work?

B12 injections work quickly; they are the most effective way for your body to absorb Vitamin B12. Within

48 to 72 hours

, your body will begin to make new red blood cells. For mild deficiencies, you may need two to three injections over several weeks to notice peak impact.

How far do you insert needle for intramuscular injection?

The needle should be long enough to reach the muscle without penetrating the nerves and blood vessels underneath. Generally, needles should be

1 inch to 1.5 inches for an adult and will be smaller for a child

.

Do you pinch the skin for an IM injection?

Insert needle at an 45o angle to the skin.

Pinch up on SQ tissue to prevent injecting into muscle

.

Where do you inject a subcutaneous injection?

  1. The lower part of your belly. Keep in mind you want to stay 2 inches away from your belly button.
  2. The side or back of your upper arms.
  3. The front of your thighs.
  4. If someone else is giving you the injection they may use your lower back.

What happens if you give b12 SUBQ?

Subcutaneous Vitamin B12 Injections

Basically, this is an injection under the skin into the fatty tissue. It may sound unpleasant, but when done right, administering such an injection can be virtually painless, and will

allow the absorption of vitamin B12 over a 24-hour period

.

What size needle do you use to inject a vitamin b12?

Gather your B-12 medication vial, a 1 ml syringe and a

22- to 25-gauge

needle that’s 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. The larger-gauge needle is finer than the 22 and will provide the most comfort during the injection. Also, the needle needs to be long enough to reach the muscle of the person you’re injecting.

What size needle should be used for b12 injections?

Intramuscular (IM) injections

Needle length is usually

1′′–11⁄2”, 22–25 gauge

, but a longer or shorter needle may be needed depending on the patient’s weight. Note: An alternate site for IM injection in adults is the anterolateral thigh muscle.

What medications should not be taken with B12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers …

Why are B12 injections painful?

The Injection Site

As we said, when people complain about their sore, aching arm after a B12 injection, it’s

often because of IM delivery

. Penetrating muscle tissue is painful, and you may also hit a nerve by accident. In contrast, SQ injections are painless, because it’s just fat tissue you are penetrating.

How do you feel after B12 injection?

Each person has a unique body chemistry that responds to vitamin B12 injections differently. After your first injection,

you will often feel the difference in your energy levels

.

Who should not get B12 injections?

Those at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency include ( 1 ):

Older adults

. People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. Those who have had gastrointestinal surgeries, such as bariatric surgery or bowel resection surgery.

Do B12 shots work for weight loss?


There’s no solid evidence that vitamin B-12 injections aid weight loss

. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin found naturally in a variety of foods, including meat, fish and dairy products. Vitamin B-12 is also added to some foods and is available as a dietary supplement.

Does B12 help you lose weight?

Vitamin B12 is one of the essential B vitamins that help support a healthy nervous system. B12 works by converting the food we eat into sugar and other types of fuel that keep the body running smoothly.

B12 is often associated with weight loss because of its ability to boost metabolism and provide lasting energy

.

How soon do you feel less tired after a B12 injection?

“How soon will I feel less tired after a B12 Injection?”- is the question we get asked a lot. Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects

between 24-72 hours

after the treatment.

What does low B12 feel like?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. But if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as:

Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness

. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

How fast can you lose weight with B12 shots?

It’s common to start losing weight within your first week post-injection. Although the goal is to drop a steady

one to two pounds per week

, some weight loss patients lose even more when they first get started with lipotropic B-12 injections.

How do you inject yourself in the bottom?

What is the site for intramuscular injection?

There are four sites on your body that can be used to give yourself an intramuscular injection. These include the

upper arm, thigh, hip, and buttocks

. Make sure you are comfortable with the injection technique before you start giving yourself shots. A nurse or other healthcare provider can show you how to do it.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.