Question:
What size needle do I need to get to do my own injections?

My insurance would not cover the cost of the B12 injections--so my doctor has sent me home with a prescription for the B12 to self inject. That was a month ago and I have gotten it filled since I am in need of a shot now--but I am out of town and haven't been able to reach my normal doctor to find out what size syringe I need to buy to do the shots--Every pharmacist I ask has more questions for me lol so I thought perhaps someone here might be able to tell me what size I need to ask for? I am supposed to take 1000 mcg of this a month--but the measurements they are talking about are in cc's which I don't know how to convert. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much!    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 28, 2002)

January 28, 2002
The bottle should say something to the effect of 1000 mcg/cc or 500 mcg/cc. That's the concentration of it. If it is mixed at 1000 mcg/cc, then give yourself just one cc of it. Also, remember that a cc is equal to a mL, as it may say 1000 mcg/mL... you get the picture! :-) You need a needle just long enough for it to get into the muscle, so if you are putting it in your arm, you may not need a long needle... now, like me, if you are getting it in your rump... maybe a little longer needle... :-) Hope this helps!
   — Jennifer P.

January 28, 2002
Hi. Needle size and syringe size are two different things. Use a 22 guage 1-1/4" needle (usually these come already attached to a 3cc syringe). Doesn't matter what size the syringe is as long as it's the same as or larger than the volume you need to inject. (FYI -- cc's and ml's (milliters) are the same... just in case that comes up.) JK, RN
   — Joya K.

January 28, 2002
FYI-for future reference you might check w/your Doctor about taking sublingual b12 rather than having to give yourself injection. GNC sells them, about $8 for 30 pills, you take them once a week so that is a 7 month supply and they dissolve under your tongue. Cherry flavor. Trust me, beats the heck out of an injection.
   — jsuggs

January 28, 2002
1 cc = 1 ML, if that's how the syringe is marked. Mine are 25g, 5/8". This brand is B-D (seems common around here) in the pale blue package. The number is 309570. Hopefully this is specific enough for a pharmacist to sell you some 4/$1
   — vitalady

January 28, 2002
1 cc = 1 ML, if that's how the syringe is marked. Mine are 25g, 5/8". This brand is B-D (seems common around here) in the pale blue package. The number is 309570. Hopefully this is specific enough for a pharmacist to sell you some 4/$1
   — vitalady