Medical Acute Assessment Unit
Introduction
This information leaflet will go through step by step how to self-inject vitamin B12 at home.
Vitamin B12, also known as hydroxocobalamin, is an important vitamin involved in keeping the spinal cord healthy. Recreational use of nitrous oxide leads to B12 being unable to function properly which then leads to damage to the spinal cord.
The aim of these B12 injections is to replace your stores of functioning B12.
You will be seen again in SDEC (Same Day Emergency Care) once you have completed the loading regime (a total of six doses) of B12 to re-assess your symptoms.
Equipment checklist
You will be completing five injections prior to your next review on SDEC.
The equipment you have been given includes:
- Sharps bin x 1
- Ampoules of B12 x 5
- Syringes x 5
- Blunt needles x 5
- Blue needles x 5
- Alcohol wipes x 10
- Pack of gauze x 5
Please store the B12 injections at room temperature (max. 25oC) and away from direct sunlight.
How to Inject
Preparation
1. Wash your hands and gather your equipment.
2. Tap the top of the B12 ampoule so the liquid goes to the bottom.
3. Use the alcohol wipe to clean the top of the ampoule, rubbing in circular motions for 30 seconds. Then allow to dry for 30 seconds.
4. Hold the ampoule with the black dot facing towards you. Place one hand on the top of the ampoule with the alcohol wipe between your fingers and the glass. Snap the lid away from you.
5.Place the blunt needle on top of the syringe.
6.Remove the cap, then place the needle inside the ampoule and pull back on the syringe to draw up all the liquid into the syringe.
7. Remove the blunt needle and place it in the sharps bin.
8.Tap the syringe with your finger to move air bubbles to the top of the syringe, then slowly push the plunger up until there is no move air in the syringe.
9.Place the blue needle on top of the syringe, remove the clear plastic lid and move the safety cover down.
Injecting
10.The injection site is about halfway down the upper part of your thigh. To locate the injection site, place your palm on your hip bone with your fingers pointing down your leg. The injection site is where your fingers end.
11.Clean the skin with a fresh alcohol wipe by rubbing in circular motions for 30 seconds and then allow to dry for 30 seconds.
12.Use on hand to stretch out the muscle, make sure you are relaxing your thigh muscle. Insert half the needle at a 90-degree angle to the skin.
13.Pull back on the syringe to ensure no blood enters the syringe.
14.If blood enters the syringe, remove the needle, apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding, then retry slightly further down your leg.
15.If no blood enters the syringe, you are safe to inject by pushing down on the plunger of the syringe for five-ten seconds.
16.Remove the needle and apply a piece of gauze.
17.Ensure the sharps bin is pushed closed and stored out of reach of children.
Safe Disposal
In the Sharps bin please dispose of:
- Blunt needle
- Blue needle
- B12 ampoule
In your general waste please dispose of:
- Packaging
- Gauze
- Alcohol wipes
- Syringe
Once you have finished with the sharps bin please arrange collection by contacting the local council
When to contact SDEC
SDEC phone number: 0151 706 3513
If you feel unable to self-administer the injection, please contact SDEC and we can arrange for you to come in to have your injections administered.
If you develop the following symptoms, please contact SDEC:
- Unable to pass urine.
- Pain and swelling affecting one of your legs.
- Shortness of breath or sharp chest pain.
- Swelling, redness or increased heat at your injection site.
You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Dates of injections and your next appointment
Your injections will need to be carried out on the following dates.
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Your next appointment to attend SDEC will be ………………
Feedback
Your feedback is important to us and helps us influence care in the future.
Following your discharge from hospital or attendance at your outpatient appointment you will receive a text asking if you would recommend our service to others. Please take the time to text back, you will not be charged for the text and can opt out at any point. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Further information
www.
Telephone number: 0151 706 3513
Text phone number: 18001 0151 706 3513
Author: Medical Acute Assessment Unit / Medicine
Review date: February 2029
PI 3239 V1