Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is also called cobalamine. This essential vitamin cannot be produced or stored in the body and must be ingested through a balanced diet that includes dairy, meat and fish products. Some individuals may not get enough vitamin B-12 in their diets or have conditions, such as a peptic ulcer, irritable bowel disease and pernicious anemia, which prevent the body from absorbing it. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that if there is a deficiency of vitamin B-12, injections may be received at the doctor's office or administered at home. The doctor will provide a prescription for a vial of vitamin B-12.
Step 1
Uncap the prescription vitamin B-12 vial and insert the needle of the syringe into the rubber top. Turn the vial upside down and pull back on the plunger to draw up the fluid into the needle. Keep the needle in the vial and push back a small amount of vitamin B-12 into the vial to remove an air bubbles. Place the safety cap back on the needle and set it aside.
Step 2
Apply rubbing alcohol with a gauze pad, using circular motions, to cleanse an area on the shoulder or thigh muscle to use as an injection site. Put on the gloves if giving the injection to someone else. Pinch the injection site with one hand so that the muscle is raised up. With the other hand, insert the needle at a 45 degree angle into the skin and push deep into the muscle to give an intramuscular injection. Push down on a plunger in one, smooth motion so that all the vitamin B-12 is injected into the muscle.
Step 3
Pull the needle out of the muscle and immediately place the safety cap on it. Dispose of the needle in a bio-waste container if available. Press on the injection site with clean gauze to stop any bleeding. Place a band-aid on the injection site.
Step 4
Write down the vial number of the vitamin B-12, the amount injected and the date in the home health records sheet. Store the remaining vitamin B-12 vial in a cool, safe place.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask a doctor or nurse to demonstrate how to inject vitamin B-12 injection before trying it home. During the injection, push the plunger quickly without moving or pulling on the needle as the vitamin should be injected into the muscle.
- Do not use an expired vial of vitamin B-12 and do not share the vial with anyone else. Dispose of all used needles safely; they can be taken to a safe disposal site at a doctor's office or pharmacy.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin B-12 vial
- Latex gloves
- Syringe
- Large needle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Band-Aid
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