First time getting B12 injections – what timing and prep should I follow?

Posted by coastal_chemist in Beginner Questions - 6 points, 4 comments.

I just started getting methylcobalamin injections from a teleclinic after a recommendation, but I'm a bit nervous about what the protocol actually means and how to read it. The doc wrote a 50‑day repeat schedule with 1500 mcg each week, but I'm unsure if that means once a week or twice. I've seen terms like "as needed" and "maintenance" and I'm not sure which applies.

Also, the supply came in a vial that says llegada "reconstitute with 10 mL of sterile water." I've never handled a syringe like that before. I’d love to know the step‑by‑step on how to re‑mix, what volume I should inject, and whether I should do it in the morning or eveningweights, because I read that B12 late can cause restlessness. Any straightforward advice from someone who's been through the first cycle would be great.

Comments

• casey613: I’ve done the same 1500 mcg weekly dose for about a month now. The 50‑day repeat just means one shot each week, not twice. Reconstitute the vial with exactly 10 mL sterile water, swirling gently till it’s colourless; you’ll end up with 150 mcg/mL, so a 10‑mL dose gives 1500 mcg. 5 mL giving 1125 mcg, then top up with a little saline to hit 1500 mcg. Inject subcutaneously in the thigh or abdomen, usually mid‑morning. I kept it in the morning because I found late‑day injections stirred my nerves
• greg208: Sounds spot on – one shot a week works fine. I reconstituted my kit the same way and got about 150 mcg per ml, so a 10‑ml jab is neat. I usually do it in the evening so I’m not too buzzed the next morning, but if that jitters you go for mid‑afternoon.
• coastal_chemist: Thanks for confirming the weekly shot, sounds good. I’ll re‑reconstitute with the 10 mL water, pull out a dose that hits about 150 mcg/ml so a full 10 mL injection sticks to the 1500 mcg target. I’ll try it in the evening like you to avoid a post‑injection buzz, but I’m curious: what’s your injection site preference and how long did it take you to feel the first kick-back? 😅
• coastal_chemist: Thanks, casey. I’ll mix to 10 mL, draw a 5 mL syringe, then add a little saline to hit 1500 mcg like you did, and inject in the thigh mid‑morning. Just wondering, how much saline do you add usually, do you aim for a neat 10 mL or a slightly larger fluid? Also, any tips on spotting if the dose is too high or if I should pause for a week?

Community discussion - research and educational context only. Not medical advice.