Vitamin B12 Injection Service

Please Call 02081067084 to book

What is the Vitamin B12 Injection?

The Vitamin B12 injection is a highly effective treatment for Vitamin B12 deficiency. It is often used when there is a need for quick replenishment of Vitamin B12 levels, especially in individuals who have difficulty absorbing this nutrient through their diet or oral supplements.

Who Should Get the Injection?

If you do not already receive Vitamin B12 injections, you must be tested for a deficiency or have Vitamin B12 deficiency symptons before treatment can begin. This is to ensure that the injection is suitable for you.

To be eligible for vitamin B12 supplementation, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement:

   • Must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Confirmed Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

   • Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency.
   • Patients who have been previously prescribed a vitamin B12 injection.

3. For Patients Without a Prior Diagnosis or Prescription:

   • The medicine may be offered if the patient displays signs or symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
   • The medicine may be offered if the patient has a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency, such as:
     • Pernicious anaemia.
     • Following a vegan diet.
   • The medicine may be offered upon confirmation of vitamin B12 deficiency by a reliable test kit.

How to Get the Vitamin B12 Test:

1. Through Your GP:
   • You can have a Vitamin B12 deficiency test conducted by your General Practitioner (GP). You will need to bring a completed form from your GP to your appointment.
2. Ways Pharmacy Health Test Service:
   • You can also test through Ways Pharmacy. Order your test kits from our website and bring the test results to your appointment.

Already Receiving Vitamin B12 Therapy?

Yes, you can get your injection here if you are already on Vitamin B12 therapy. Contact our Customer Service Team to receive a form that needs to be completed by your GP to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan, either by injection or oral tablets. If you cannot get an appointment with your GP, this form can be handed in at your surgery’s reception.

Frequency of Injections:

• Dietary Deficiency: Injections are typically administered every 6 months.
• Pernicious Anaemia: Injections are required every 2-3 months.

Booking an Appointment:

To book your Vitamin B12 injection appointment, please call the booking line at 02081067084

Please note: The service is intended for patients with a confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosis or those that have been previously prescribed a vitamin B12 injection.

For patients who have not previously been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency or prescribed a vitamin B12 injection, the medicine can be offered if vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected based on signs, symptoms and/or risk factors, though confirmation of vitamin B12 deficiency by a reliable test kit should also be considered.

In any case the patients is recommended to see their GP following their initial injection to determine if further investigations are required and to ensure ongoing management.

Types of Vitamin B12 Injection:

In the UK, there is only one type of Vitamin B12 injection available:

• Hydroxocobalamin: This form of Vitamin B12 is used in the UK for injection treatments. It is administered intramuscularly and has a longer duration of action compared to other forms of Vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin.

Comparison with Vitamin B12 Tablets:

• Vitamin B12 Tablets (Cyanocobalamin): These are available over the counter from pharmacies or health stores. While they can be effective for mild deficiencies or maintenance once adequate levels are reached, they are generally not as effective as injections for treating severe deficiencies. Cyanocobalamin requires conversion in the body to the active form of Vitamin B12, which might not be efficient in individuals with absorption issues.

Effectiveness of Injections vs. Tablets:

• Injections (Hydroxocobalamin): Provide a direct and immediate increase in Vitamin B12 levels. They are particularly useful for individuals with pernicious anemia or other conditions that impair Vitamin B12 absorption through the digestive tract.

• Tablets (Cyanocobalamin): May be suitable for individuals with minor deficiencies or for maintenance therapy after initial levels have been corrected with injections. However, they rely on proper digestive absorption and conversion to the active form, which might be compromised in some individuals.

Summary

Vitamin B12 injections, specifically hydroxocobalamin, offer an efficient and reliable method for treating Vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in cases where absorption is an issue. While Vitamin B12 tablets (cyanocobalamin) can be helpful for mild deficiencies or maintenance, they are not as effective as injections for correcting severe deficiencies. For individuals with conditions like pernicious anemia, injections are often the preferred method to ensure adequate Vitamin B12 levels are maintained.

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your nerve and blood cells. It is also essential for DNA synthesis and the production of red blood cells. Our bodies cannot produce Vitamin B12 on their own, so it must be obtained through our diet. Foods that are rich in Vitamin B12 include:

• Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.
• Fish: Tuna, salmon, trout, and haddock.
• Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Eggs: Especially the yolk.

Individuals who follow a vegan diet or do not consume enough Vitamin B12-rich foods may be at risk of a deficiency. Additionally, certain health conditions can impair the body's ability to absorb Vitamin B12 properly, leading to a deficiency. One such condition is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder that affects the stomach's ability to produce intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale or jaundiced skin
• Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
• Nerve problems such as numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Vision loss
• Mental problems such as memory loss or behavioral changes

To prevent or treat a deficiency, it is important to include Vitamin B12-rich foods in your diet or take supplements as recommended by a healthcare provider. In cases where absorption is an issue, Vitamin B12 injections may be necessary. Regular monitoring of Vitamin B12 levels, especially for individuals at risk, can help maintain adequate levels and prevent potential health complications.