Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and responsible for red blood cell formation and neurological functioning, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. A deficiency can lead to B12 anemia and megaloblastic anemia, bothof which require B12 replacement as part of the treatment process. If you develop vitamin B12 anemia, your physician may prescribe supplements or injectable B12.
Filling the Syringe
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly and clean the top of the ampule with an alcohol wipe. Remove the top from the vitamin B12 ampule. Do not use this medication if the seal or top is broken. Put the ampule on a sturdy, flat surface.
Step 2
Remove the syringe from its protective wrapping and assemble according to the instructions. Remove the cap from the needle by pulling it away from yourself.
Step 3
Insert the needle into the ampule and pull the plunger of the syringe upward to suck the medicine up into the syringe. Using the numbers on the syringe as a guideline, fill to the dose level provided by your physician.
Step 4
Turn the syringe needle to the side and flick the barrel to remove any air bubbles. If necessary, push the plunger up slowly until the medication is at the correct dosage marking. This may force out medicine, but it also removes air from the syringe.
Administering the Injection
Step 1
Wipe the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Your physician will instruct you on where to administer the injection.
Step 2
Hold a large portion of the muscle with the opposite hand. Push the needle directly into the muscle and push the plunger down until all the medicine is gone from the barrel.
Step 3
Pull the needle out of the skin. Immediately place a cotton ball over the injection site to minimize bleeding. Throw your syringe away in the sharps container given to you by the pharmacy or your physician.
B12 Supplements
Step 1
Purchase a B12 supplement in liquid, powder or capsule form. B12 is also included in B-complex multivitamins and complete multivitamins.
Step 2
Take the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12, which is 2.4 mcg, with an unknown tolerable upper limit. If you have a deficiency or B12 anemia, a physician or dietitian may suggest you take more than the recommended amount.
Step 3
Ingest your B12 capsule with water or juice. If you are taking vitamin B12 in powder or liquid form, mix it into juice per instructions provided with the supplement.
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol wipe
- Syringe
- Vitamin B12 medication
- Sharps container
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