Vitamin B12 helps your body produce red blood cells and keeps your nerves functioning properly. Most people get enough vitamin B12 by eating a balanced diet that includes animal protein, but some need to take supplements by mouth, nasal spray or injection, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If your health care provider orders injections of cyanocobalamin, the man-made form of vitamin B12, ask her staff to teach you the technique before you try it at home.
Preparation
Step 1
Check the date on the vial of vitamin B12 to determine that it has not expired. Also check the label instructions and the size of the vial to determine if it contains one dose or several. Injectable vitamin B12 comes in one mL, 10mL and 30mL vials and each mL contains 1000mcg of cyanocobalamin, according to Drugs.com. If, for example, your instructions say to take 1000mcg every month, the smaller vial contains one 1000mcg dose and the larger vial contains 10 doses. Dosages vary so contact your health care provider if you have questions.
Step 2
Check the syringe to determine if it is the proper size. A 1mL syringe delivers a single dose. If you must use a larger syringe, notice the line for one mL so that you do not withdraw too much medication.
Step 3
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 4
Set the vial on a flat service, remove the plastic cap and disinfect the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
Step 5
Disinfect the injection site with an alcohol swab to prevent bacteria from entering the tissues. Use the thigh muscle for self-injections as this site is easy to access. To inject someone else, use the thigh muscle or upper arm.
Withdraw Medication
Step 1
Grasp the syringe between the second and third fingers of your dominant hand. With your other hand, remove the plastic needle cap and set it aside. Inspect the needle for jagged edges and discard it if necessary.
Step 2
Pull back on the plunger with your thumb and fourth finger, drawing 1mL of air into the syringe barrel. Insert the needle into the vial's rubber stopper and by using your thumb, push the plunger toward the needle. Inserting air into the vial helps you withdraw fluid from the vial.
Step 3
Grasp the vial with your non-dominant hand and the syringe with your dominant hand. In a single motion, reverse positions so that the vial is upside down and the syringe is beneath the vial.
Step 4
Pull back slightly on the syringe barrel until the tip of the needle is below the level of the medication in the vial to avoid creating bubbles. Withdraw a single dose of medication medication into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger with your thumb and fourth finger until 1mL of fluid is in the syringe.
Step 5
Tap the syringe barrel lightly to expel air bubbles back into the vial, if necessary, and withdraw the remainder of the medication. Remove the syringe from the vial and set the vial aside.
Injection
Step 1
Grasp the skin on either side of the injection site to hold it in place.
Step 2
Hold the syringe as if it were a pencil and insert it the needle at a 90-degree angle completely into the skin.
Step 3
Steady the syringe with your non-dominant hand. With the other hand, pull back slightly on the plunger. If blood appears, you have pierced a vein and must use a different injection site. If no blood appears, press down slowly on the plunger, injecting the entire dose of medication into the muscle. If you inject too quickly, some medication may be lost in the tissues.
Finishing Up
Step 1
Remove the needle from the skin and press a cotton ball or gauze square on the site to stop any bleeding that may occur. Do not use an alcohol wipe as alcohol stops blood from clotting.
Step 2
Discard the syringe and single-dose vial in a puncture-proof container. Do not try to recap the needle. If you are using a multi-dose vial, store the remaining medication away from direct sunlight.
Step 3
Cover the injection site with an adhesive bandage to prevent bacteria from entering the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Syringe with needle
- Vial of cyanocobalamin
- Alcohol wipes
- Cotton balls or gauze pads
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