What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin which is consumed within our diet. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored in the body in the same way as some other vitamins, meaning it must be consumed regularly.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as dairy, shellfish, meat, fish and liver. Some foods are fortified with B12, meaning that extra B12 has been added to them. For vegetarians and vegans, it is often recommended to take a low dose vitamin B complex or B12 daily, to supplement the diet.
Vitamin B12 deficiencies can carry many complications, including anaemia, gastro-intestinal symptoms and problems, and neurological symptoms.
If you believe you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, you must visit your doctor or regular healthcare provider. We are unable to test for vitamin B12 deficiency at Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh.
What is the vitamin B12 injection?
The vitamin B12 injection contains an ingredient called Hydroxocobalamin. This is a form of vitamin B12a, and is given as an intra-muscular injection, to supplement B12 which is absorbed in the diet.
The Vitamin B12 Injection - FAQs
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You can choose to get a vitamin B12 injection whenever suits you, and if you’d like to continue to receive the injections in the future, can get them as often as every two to three months.
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The vitamin B12 injection is available for those who:
Are aged 18 years and over
Have no allergies to the ingredients or excipients of the vaccine
Are currently fit and well
Are seeking this injection as a supplement to B12 absorbed in the diet, and not as treatment for an undiagnosed disorder or treatment of symptoms with unknown cause.
Do not have a bleeding disorder
Are not breastfeeding
Are not pregnant
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You can choose to get the B12 injection with us, but you must not be doing so to treat symptoms of unknown origin, or to treat suspected but unconfirmed B12 deficiency. For these situations you must see your GP.
If you need B12 injections as part of treatment for a B12 deficiency, we may be able to prescribe a B12 injection for you if you can provide adequate proof of this, and consent to us informing your regular healthcare provider of the injections.
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You should continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet regardless of whether you choose to have a vitamin B12 injection.
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may have to seek alternative sources of B12 like tablets or the B12 injection to ensure you have the required levels of B12 to prevent deficiency.
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If you have a B12 deficiency, you may be able to get hydroxocobalamin injections prescribed on the NHS. We would recommend seeing your GP for further information.
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For each visit you need, you’ll have:
A full consultation with the pharmacist, who will assess the suitability of the injection for you and be able to answer any questions you may have
The injection prescribed by the pharmacist
A patient-information leaflet from the manufacturers of the injection
The injection administered by the pharmacist
A comprehensive follow-up document which details the specifics of the injection(s) for your information, and for you to forward to your GP
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The vitamin B12 injection costs £25 per visit.