Infection is rare but possible if the skin or equipment is not clean, which is one of the strongest arguments for having the injection done properly
I have been self injecting for 2 years, and started injecting my 30 year daughter last year (due to needle phobia and a rubbish GP)
It is available as an oral dietary supplement in tablet form, or doctors can also prescribe it as a shot
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026 Last updated: May 30, 2026 Written by: Jay Hastings, CEO of PlexusDx Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations
Whilst injections bypass gut absorption, conditions like active Crohn's disease or coeliac disease may cause increased metabolic demands that could influence how quickly B12 is utilised
A common laboratory dilution is 2 mL of bacteriostatic water per 10mg vial, giving a 5 mg/mL solution