Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the formation of red blood cells, the production of RNA and DNA and the functioning of the nervous system. Most vitamin B-12 is obtained through dietary sources and stored in the body for use as needed. Deficiency of B-12 may occur due to poor diet or improper absorption caused by pernicious anemia. The Mayo Clinic states that vitamin B-12 injections may be beneficial to those with Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, heart disease, fatigue, sickle cell disease and high cholesterol. Treatment of B-12 deficiency is with B-12 injections directly into certain muscles in the body.
Step 1
Wash your hands using soap and warm water. Dry completely with a clean paper towel, and then put on a pair of synthetic or latex gloves.
Step 2
Gather your supplies so that they are within reach. Unwrap the syringe if it comes in an individual plastic package and place it on a clean paper towel or other surface.
Step 3
Soak a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and use it to wipe the top of the vial containing the B-12. Do not dry the top of the vial. The alcohol will evaporate.
Step 4
Remove the cover from the tip of the syringe. Pull back on the plunger until you reach the mark that indicates your dose of B-12.
Step 5
Insert the needle into the B-12 vial. Turn the vial upside down, and then press down on the plunger to push the air from the syringe into the vial. Once the plunger is fully depressed, slowly pull it back out until the syringe contains your prescribed dose of vitamin B-12.
Step 6
Tap the syringe several times with the needle pointing up and still inside the vial. This will dislodge any air bubbles. Remove the needle from the vial. Replace the needle cover and set the syringe down.
Step 7
Locate your intramuscular injection site. Your doctor should have shown you exactly where to inject your B-12. Administering B-12 to an unsuitable site will negatively affect your body's ability to absorb the vitamin. If you are unsure of your injection site, contact your doctor.
Step 8
Wet a fresh cotton ball with alcohol, and then wipe it several times back and forth across the skin on your injection site. Pick up the syringe, remove the cover, and then check the dosage again. Quickly thrust the needle into the muscle at the sterile injection site.
Step 9
Slowly pull back on the plunger and check for blood. If you see blood, remove the needle from the injection site. If there is no blood, depress the plunger until all of the B-12 is gone. Carefully remove the needle from your skin.
Step 10
Press down on the injection site with a cotton ball and alcohol. Continue to apply pressure for one to two minutes. Apply a sterile gauze or adhesive bandage to the area.
Step 11
Dispose of the used needle in a sharps container, which is available at most medical supply stores and some pharmacies. If you do not have a sharps container, you can make one at home by cutting two slits into the plastic lid of a metal coffee can. Cut the slits at 90-degree angles to each other, and make certain the lid is taped or otherwise securely fastened to the can.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Gloves
- Syringe
- B-12 vial
- Cotton balls
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Sterile gauze or adhesive bandage
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