Your body needs vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells and help your nerves function properly. Although most individuals absorb enough B12 by eating animal proteins, some need supplements by mouth, nasal spray or injection, according to MayoClinic.com. If your health care provider recommends the injectable form, ask her staff to teach you the technique before trying it alone. Typically, adults require a single dose of 1,000 mcg each month, although dosages may vary, according to Drugs.com.
Preparation
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid contaminating your equipment.
Step 2
Read the medication label carefully. Check the expiration date and the size of the vial. A single-dose vial contains 1,000 mcg of cyanocobalamin, the man-made form of vitamin B12, in 1 ml of solution. A multidose vial contains 10 ml or 10 doses of the same strength of cyanocobalamin.
Step 3
Remove the plastic cap from the vial, set it on a flat surface and disinfect the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe.
Step 4
Disinfect the injection site with alcohol to prevent bacteria from entering your tissues when you insert the needle. The thigh muscle provides easy access and visibility for self-injections. Contact your health care provider if you are not sure of the proper site.
Step 5
Grasp the syringe between the second and third fingers of your dominant hand. Remove the plastic needle cap with the other hand and set it aside. Discard the syringe if the needle is bent or has jagged edges.
Step 6
Draw a small amount of air into the barrel by pulling back on the plunger with your thumb and fourth finger. Use your thumb to push the plunger toward the needle, expelling the air. Discard the equipment if the plunger does not move easily.
Step 7
Draw a small amount of air into the barrel by pulling back on the plunger with your thumb and fourth finger. Use your thumb to push the plunger toward the needle, expelling the air. Discard the equipment if the plunger does not move easily.
Step 8
Grasp the vial with your nondominant hand. Still holding the syringe in with your dominant hand with the needle in the rubber stopper, turn the vial upside down. Pull back slightly on the syringe barrel until the tip of the needle is below the level of the medication in the vial.
Step 9
Withdraw the medication into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger with your thumb and fourth finger. Withdraw all of the medication from a single dose vial or 1 ml from a multiple dose vial.
Step 10
Tap the syringe barrel lightly to expel air bubbles back into the vial, if necessary, and withdraw the remainder of the medication.
Step 11
Separate the vial from the needle and set it aside. Tap the barrel lightly to bring bubbles to the top of the barrel and gently push on the plunger to expel the air.
Injection
Step 1
Grasp the skin on either side of the injection site to hold it in place. Holding the syringe as if it were a pencil, insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle. A quick, darting motion causes the least discomfort.
Step 2
Steady the syringe with your nondominant hand. With the other hand, pull back slightly on the plunger. If you see blood, withdraw the needle and choose a different injection site. If no blood appears, you have not pierced a vein and may proceed.
Step 3
Press down on the plunger, slowly injecting the entire dose of the medication. If you inject too quickly, some medication may be lost in the tissues.
Step 4
Remove the needle from the skin and use a cotton ball or gauze square to stop any bleeding at the size. Alcohol wipes prevent the blood from clotting.
Cleanup
Step 1
Discard the syringe and single-dose vial in a puncture-proof container. Do not try to recap the needle. If you are using a multidose vial, store the remaining medication away from direct sunlight.
Step 2
Cover the injection site with an adhesive bandage.
Step 3
Contact your health care provider if you experience an allergic reaction, including a rash or itching, according to Drugs.com.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice injecting an orange until you are familiar with the process, suggests Aurora Health Care.
Things You'll Need
- Syringe with attached needle
- Medication vial
- Alcohol wipes
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