Question:
Do B12 Shots cause abcess??

I saw a nurse today for my monthly B12 shot. She said that the shot is not absorbed through the deltoid (Upper arm). I told her that I have been getting them there for the last 19 months with perfect lab results. Then she said, "well today you are getting it on the hip". I said "oh no I'm not". She then told me that I would develop an abcess from the shots. I alternate arms every month. Next time she comes out to give me my shot I will ask for someone else. I have an HMO.    — Allison M. (posted on November 21, 2003)

November 21, 2003
I do my own B12 shots in my thighs. I use about the same spot every month and have had NO problems. I will be taking my 6th shot next week.
   — Kathy J.

November 21, 2003
I'm 9 months post op and get my B12 shots in the arm. Never have I heard of this. lol Not to say it couldn't happen, but I would think we would have been told this from the get go, if there could be such a problem. I have had 3 sets of labs since my RNY 2/11/03 and all have been excellent! 250/145/135
   — Hazel S.

November 21, 2003
I give myself my B-12 shots as well. I'm right handed so I hit my right thigh for the shot. I have not had a problem to date. For the first year or so, I got them in my arm from the doc, didn't have a problem there either. Why would she feel they would cause an abcess? These shots go into the fatty tissue...just like diabetics and their insulin.....and they take their shots far more frequently than we do. I just don't understand her reasoning. Becky 10/01~265/135
   — RebeccaP

November 22, 2003
I get my B-12 shots at my surgeon's office. They're with the LivLite program-and they said you always get the shots in adipose tissue. Not muscle. With that said, I get my shots in my arm and haven't heard of absesses from them...so I dunno.
   — jenn_jenn

November 22, 2003
There are two approved routes for B-12 injections - either intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SQ). My wife (who is an RN) gives me my B-12 shots in my gluteus maximus (personally, I just think she likes seeing my wrinkly tush *G*) and gives herself a shot in the thigh...JR
   — John Rushton

November 22, 2003
I know what you mean. One nurse did arms, one did hip. I did not get a vote! We now do our own. I do mine weekly (other issues non WLS related). The weeks that we both do them, we do arms. And my self weeks I do thighs. I spose we'd get more milage if we added hips, but nah. As it is I have to keep notes on the calendar so see who gets what where. (We also give monthly to my dad). Sub cu = 80%, and IM = 100% absorption. I can SEE that the hip might be better, since there's a bigger hunk of muscle there, but for now, we'll have to get by with arms & thighs.
   — vitalady

November 28, 2003
If you read the drug books, vitamin B-12 can be either subcutaneously or intramuscular. They both work. It's a personal preference to do it either way. Most pharmacists prefer the im route because they say it is absorbed better that way in a consistent manner. I must admit I've had better labs since doing it im instead of subq. Secondly, ANY injection can have the potential for an abscess, it is not just B-12. Some drugs can have a potential for this more than others, but B-12 is not listed as one of those. I think medical people get a preference for certain stuff. I know, I do as an RN. Most of the time it is simply a preference, but there are some things that do require doing stuff a certain way, but not B-12. Always talk to your md and/or your pharmacist about any questions you may have. As long as you get the right results with your B-12, do it either way that works for you! karen (open rny, 9/6/01, 297/146)
   — Karen M.