If you take regular vitamin B12 shots, then you may notice side effect like dry, scaly skin patches, bruising, or pain caused by sharp needles. While B12 injections are prescribed by doctors for most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, patients who choose to self-inject B12 should follow strict health guidelines in order to avoid uncomfortable side effects.
What are B12 shots?
Vitamin B12 injections are prescribed for people with severe vitamin B12 deficiency; they typically deliver about 1,000mcg of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in one dose.
Unlike other kinds of injections that are administered just below a patch of skin, B12 shots are intramuscular, and must be inserted into the thick, fleshy tissue of the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen areas.
Self-injecting vitamin B12 is a good option for people who are able to obtain the injections without a prescription, and find they need extra doses of vitamin B12 in order to feel more energetic, focused, and mentally balanced.
Still, to prevent skin inflammation, pain, bruising, or infection from vitamin B12 shots, it’s important to follow strict health standards, and follow the advice of a physician.
Self-Injecting Vitamin B12 Shots- 12 Tips and Warnings
Side effects of vitamin B12 shots
The following side effects are sometimes associated with routine injection of vitamin B12:
- Itchy red skin patches
- Raised skin patches
- Hives
- Welts
- Red skin color
- Nausea
- Strong pain at site of injection
- Swelling
- Headache
- Joint pain
Rare side effects that may occur after vitamin B12 injection include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain
- Leg cramps
- Infection
- Bleeding
Vitamin B12 shots alternatives
For a growing number of people, plummeting levels of vitamin B12 are a constant source of fatigue, memory loss, depression, and muscular pain, despite following a B12-rich diet.
To reverse symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, or pernicious anemia, it’s necessary to supplement with regimented doses of vitamin B12 until your levels return to normal.
Vitamin B12 injections are currently the most popular method for replenishing and maintaining vitamin B12, but as mentioned, skin patches, bleeding, and nerve pain are irritating side effects.
Still, more gentle forms of vitamin B12 are available, and are a good option for parents of children who need vitamin B12 supplements, or anybody who has difficulty receiving injections.
Good alternative sources of vitamin B12 are non-dietary vitamin B12 applications that don’t require swallowing.
Your turn!
Do you currently self-inject with vitamin B12 shots, or do receive prescription B12?
Have you also experienced the itchy red skin patches from vitamin B12 shots, or other side effects?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Like this? Read more:
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Vitamin B12 Injections Side Effects
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