Where to Get B12 Injections and How Often to Get Them
If you have been prescribed this treatment, you might be wonder about your options as to where to get B12 injections and how often you need to get them. B12 injections are a common treatment prescribed by healthcare professionals for people with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Here are some key details to know if you have been prescribed B12 injection therapy.
Who should get B12 injections?
Your healthcare professional may prescribe B12 injections if you are suffering from low levels of the vitamin in your system. This can happen if you suffer from various gastrointestinal issues including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cancer, damage to your digestive tract, or an infection. Your body may not be absorbing enough of this nutrient.
A deficiency can also result from not getting enough B12 in what you eat due to various food restrictions. If you are a strict vegan, for example, you are more likely to suffer deficiencies of various nutrients.
Prescription anti-inflammatories and drugs used to treat diabetes can make it difficult for your body to absorb a sufficient quantity of vitamin B12.
Why should you get B12 injections?
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient. Here are some of the known benefits of B12:
- Your body needs B12 to produce healthy red blood cells. Without it, you may suffer from anemia, fatigue and weakness.
- B12 is key to strong bones. People with deficiencies have lower mineral density, making their bones more fragile and prone to breaking.
- Vision health depends on B12. Eye disease and degenerating vision are commonly associated with low B12 levels.
- B12 plays a role in mood stabilization. Though the link isn’t well understood, scientists have linked the vitamin to serotonin and depression in people with a deficiency.
- Memory loss and a loss of neurons is related to below normal B12 levels.
- Energy and stamina are linked to B12. The most common sign of a deficiency is fatigue and low energy.
- Heart health may improve with a B12 supplement. The vitamin drives healthy levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, linked to heart disease.
Are there side effects to taking B12?
Thankfully, the risk of B12 side effects is low. Your body can absorb only so much. Any excess is filtered out of your system and excreted through your urine.
Some people report redness or itching where they get their injections. Headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and tingling in extremities are very rare. People with certain allergies might be sensitive to B12.
You will need to be careful to avoid interactions with other drugs, particularly those that treat various digestive issues. Anti-inflammatories, including vitamin C can interact with B12 injections.
How often should you take B12?
The frequency of your B12 injection schedule will depend on your individual situation and the size of the dose.
If your body is unable to absorb and store vitamin B12, your healthcare professional may prescribe frequent injections, which can vary from weekly shots to one every four weeks. It may take some adjusting to develop a schedule of injections that best supports your needs.
For short term conditions you may only need a few injections. For others, like chronic celiac or Crohn’s disease, you may need B12 injections throughout your life.
Where to Get B12 Injections
Most patients get their first B12 shots in the offices of their healthcare provider. That option is expensive in the long term. Scheduling a series of repeat appointments is also inconvenient. If you need B12 injections long term, you will quickly be asking yourself where to get B12 injections that is easy and affordable.
Some people are tempted to try at home injections. Getting the dose right is important, as injecting too much can cause unpleasant side effects. You’ll need to take extra care to avoid an infection. With B12 injections, you also have to be careful not to inject them into a vein. Disposing of sharps at home is inconvenient, and if you have children, dangerous. For some people, sticking themselves is just hard to do.
Many people choose a third option: Patient-friendly infusion centers that offer a personalized, comfortable and convenient alternative. They are a lower cost option that is also a much better experience.
We invite you to explore Infusion for Health. We are a walk-in infusion care center. We can fill your B12 prescription directly in California and expedite the process in other states. Here you will find private, first-class care in a relaxing and private environment. You get expert level care and can help you anticipate and deal with any B12 issues or questions you might have.
Talk to your doctor to switch treatment locations and get a referral to an Infusion for Health location convenient to you. Or contact us directly. We’re here to help make it all easy.
