Vitamin B12 Injection
A compounded vitamin B12 injection that a licensed provider may prescribe as part of a wellness program, based on clinical evaluation and lab results. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient the body needs for nerve function, red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. It is found in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. A licensed provider may prescribe an injectable form as part of a wellness program after reviewing your health history, diet, medications and lab results.
This medication is compounded. It is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient based on a prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA approved, which means the FDA has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness or quality.
How it works
B12 is absorbed from food in the digestive tract, a process that can be reduced by certain medical conditions, surgery on the stomach or intestines, a vegetarian or vegan diet, and some medications. An injection delivers B12 under the skin or into the muscle, bypassing the digestive system.
Your provider determines whether a B12 injection is appropriate for you, based in part on your B12 level, and sets the dose and schedule.
What to expect
Your provider may check your B12 level and related labs before prescribing and may recheck them during treatment. Your provider will explain the dose, how often to inject and how to rotate sites.
Extra B12 is not shown to boost energy in people whose levels are already normal. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.
Who it is for
Whether a B12 injection is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your health history, diet, medications and laboratory results. It is not appropriate for everyone, including people with a known allergy to B12 or cobalt.
This page is general information and is not medical advice.
Side effects
Commonly reported side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and mild itching. Some people notice reddish-colored urine shortly after a dose, which is expected.
Serious effects are rare and include allergic reactions and low potassium levels. Contact your provider promptly about trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a spreading rash, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or muscle weakness.
This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Compounded medication. This medication is compounded by a licensed pharmacy and is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed provider.
Allergy. Do not use if you are allergic to vitamin B12, cobalt or any ingredient in the injection.
Medical conditions. Tell your provider if you have Leber's disease (a hereditary eye condition), polycythemia vera, kidney disease, heart disease or low potassium. B12 can mask signs of other blood conditions, so your provider may check other labs.
Medication interactions. Tell your provider about everything you take. Certain medications, including metformin and acid-reducing medications, can lower B12 levels.
Injection safety. Use only as directed by your provider. Do not reuse needles or share injection supplies.
Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.
Common questions
Is vitamin B12 injection FDA approved?
No. This medication is compounded by a licensed pharmacy, and compounded medications are not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
Why an injection instead of a pill?
An injection bypasses the digestive system, which can matter when the body does not absorb B12 well from food or supplements. Your provider can explain which form fits your situation.
Will it give me more energy?
Extra B12 is not shown to increase energy in people whose levels are already normal. No specific result can be promised.
Do I need a blood test first?
Your provider may check your B12 level and related labs before and during treatment.
What if I have side effects?
Contact your prescribing provider. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)