How to Inject B12 Via the Buttocks

Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin in maintaining nerve cell function, red blood cell function, and in maintaining genetic material, states the MayoClinic website. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin excreted in the urine when the body's stores are adequate. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is rare because your body can store many years' worth of vitamin B-12 without becoming deficient. However, the body may have difficult absorbing vitamin B-12 in a condition called pernicious anemia, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. In addition, vegetarians and vegans may also be at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. Therefore, injection of the vitamin may be necessary.

A large needle used for vitamin B injection and vitamins on a table. (Image: AndreyPopov/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Schedule an appointment with your physician to determine if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. If your vitamin B-12 levels are low, your doctor may recommend an injection. Make sure he provides you with the necessary equipment including a vial of vitamin B-12, syringes, needles, antiseptic wipes, band aid, and a biohazard sharps container.

Step 2

Wash your hands before handling any equipment. Remove your pants and undergarments.

Step 3

Take an antiseptic wipe and wipe the upper, outer quadrant of your buttocks with the antiseptic wipe. Wipe the injection site in a circular motion. Throw away the wipe.

Step 4

Attach the syringe to the needle. Remove the cap of the needle and insert into the rubber stop of the vitamin B-12 vial. Slowly pull the plunger back to suck the recommended amount of vitamin B-12 into the syringe.

Step 5

Insert the needle into the sterilized area of your buttocks. Pull the plunger back before injecting to see if any blood returns into the syringe. If it does, reposition the needle so you do not inject directly into blood vessel. If there is no blood return, slowly push the plunger forward to inject vitamin B-12.

Step 6

Remove the needle from the buttocks. Immediately recap the needle and place in the sharps container. Apply a band-aid to the injection site.

Tip

If you continue injecting in the upper, outer quadrant of the buttocks, you will avoid major arteries and nerves.