For those who get B12 injections for DIY.

Who prescribes your medicine if you do it yourself (PCP or Bariatric doc)?

How often do you inject?  How many months supply can you get at one time?  What is the copay (I know it depends on your plan) you make for this?  Do you have to purchase the needles separately or is that also covered with the script?

I get the script filled by my bariatric doc. I have it filled monthly and the cost is only 3 or 4 dollars. I'm not sure about the needles i had some left over from when my wife used them. She told me that they gave them to her when she had her script filled.

My pcp prescribed them and I pay $2.30 a month for 1 shot. They charge me .50 for the suringe so I am just using my diabetic ones even though it takes 3 injections....Guess i just love shots!! LOL

My bariatric doc prescribes them.  1mL (cc) a month, and you can get it in a 10mL vial at most pharmacies (I use target).  The syringes come with them.  I self-pay and it is usually less than $20, which is my copay.

My PCP prescribes it.  The syringes are also a prescription, but both are very cheap.  I was using Snyder's before they closed and the pharmacist there would just give me the syringes.  I do injections myself once a month.  It's really easy, and it saves an office copay.

Something must be wrong with my script then or else ins. screwed up and paid for it.  I got a 10mo supply with syringes and rubbing alcohol for a co-pay of $10 a month.  I got it from Bariatric Doc.
Sal
I inject once per month on the 20th of each month.
Sal

My PCP prescribes 3 months at a time. I think it cost about $4 for the 3 vials. Syringes weren't part of the script but bought them at the pharmacy for like $.35/ea or something.  I got the injection at my PCP the first time, then gave one to myself. Didn't do too hot though, stuck myself multiple times before I had the guts to push the needle all the way in, and then bruised pretty bad.  I had the nurse show me how to do it again last month, she bruised me too.  I've noticed I bruise more easily since RNY.

The reason I asked is that my PCP won't write me the script because he doesn't understand that it is common.  Still working to educate him....this is not a reason to "find a new one".  I called my bariatric clinic and after several questions they called it in for me.  My wife is an RN and gives shots all day long, so I think she'll just add me to the days tasks once a month.

I had this feeling that my recent "stroke" was due to low B12.  My levels are okay, but I saw a medical journel article that casts doubt on the serum test.  I had been taking a pill (swallow) but learned that it may not fully absorb.  A shot is the most sure way, followed by sublingual.  So I got my script and I'm good to go.  But I find it interesting to learn how other people do it, so keep posting.

P

you say your b12 levels were ok, what were they?  There are a few different schools of thought as to a good level.  My lab says 200-900 is in range, but my DR's are always looking for 1000 at least

you could ask to have a Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) blood test..An elevated MMA test may indicate a B12 deficiency.

My PCP ordered a MMA test for me when my B12 came back extremely low.  From what I know Methylcobalamin type b12 is absorbed better than cyanocobalamin and stays in the body longer.  My PCP also thinks sublinguals are better than shots as you get a steady dose, rather than one which peters out at 3-4 weeks.
I take this: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=1264
and my levels are always 2000+

good luck

I was told by both my PCP and my Ob/Gyn that B12 orally can help some average individuals, but for most people who need to take B12 for whatever reason the injection is #1 and sublingual #2 like you said. 

Thanks for posting the 411 on B12.. I'm scared to death of injecting myself.. but I know I'll get over it.