Question:
Where do you purchase injectable B-12? Is an RX needed? How about the syringes?

   — Steve P. (posted on October 26, 2002)

October 26, 2002
My WL surgeon wrote a prescription for my B-12 and the syringes. I know some people get there syringes from other places..not sure where, but your doctor can give you a prescription for it...
   — Patricia R.

October 26, 2002
Hi Steve!! I dont know if you are dead set on the syringes but my hubby and I both had the surgery 2 years ago and we have been doing the liquid B-12 that you get from GNC. It is in a little gray bottle and has an eye dropper in it. We take one dropper full on Monday mornings and thats it. It has a wonderful cherry flavor and it is about 10 dollars a bottle but you can get the 2nd bottle half off. Our B-12 levels have been checked and we are perfect! I cant imagine injecting myself with a shot!! Good luck to you! ~~Dana and David
   — danabky

October 26, 2002
Yes, you need a script for both the B-12 as well as the syringes. They are not usually covered by insurance, but are not that expensive. I do my own B12 every month. Make sure that you get the injection into the muscle, it is best absorbed that way.
   — Vicki L.

October 26, 2002
I got the Rx for B12 and syringes - a 30(!) month supply for a $10 copay. I do it first of the month in a thigh -- and don't even feel it.
   — Marti R.

October 26, 2002
I checked and my insurance will cover the B-12 injections if medically nessessary is written on the prescription. I already take the liquid B-12, that is not covered. I am pre-op and will continue with the liquid unless I NEED to have the injectable B-12.
   — Tricia J.

October 26, 2002
I use fine gauge syringes that are used for insulin. I just ask for them at the pharmacy at Walmart. They are about 10 cents a piece and no script is needed. The B-12 requires a prescription but it is soooo cheap! I get a glass vial that will last for over a year for about $8. I have refills on the script because before I can use a whole bottle it can expire. I hope I am using large enough syringes. The injections don't hurt at all. B-12 helps give me a much needed boost of energy and I take it once a month. I always remember because I start "dragging" a little when I need one.
   — Mylou52

October 26, 2002
Yes, by Rx. With insurance, I pay $4 for a huge vial (sposta be 90 days, but I think it's more like 30 shots!). Without insurance, I pay $7, same vial. Found the syringes at drug stores 4/$1. Sorry Marilyn, nope. Those little hair-like ones are sub-cu and we want IM. 3/4" long. The ones I ordered came in wrong, so being Queen of Cheapo, I used them anyway. Sigh. Watched my B12 plunge from nice safe levels back down to low normal in an appalling short time. Oops. So, I passed them onto a pre-op who is sitll diabetic and bit the bullet & got the big 'uns.
   — vitalady