Do You Need a Vitamin B12 Injection? Understanding Symptoms, Testing and Safe Treatment
Recognising possible symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency
Tingling in the hands or feet can be a symptom of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be subtle and develop gradually. Common symptoms may include:
Persistent tiredness or low energy
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Low mood
Pale skin or shortness of breath
However, these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by many other conditions.
Why self-diagnosis isn’t enough
Because symptoms of low B12 overlap with conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, stress, or sleep deprivation, self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Administering vitamin B12 injections without proper assessment may:
Mask underlying conditions
Delay correct diagnosis
Lead to unnecessary treatment
This is why vitamin B12 injections are classified as Prescription Only Medicines (POM) in the UK.
Do you need a blood test before B12 injections?
In many cases, yes.
Blood tests can help confirm:
Low serum vitamin B12 levels
Whether deficiency is borderline or severe
Whether further investigation is needed
In some situations (for example, known pernicious anaemia), repeat testing may not be required, but this should always be decided by a clinician.
When are B12 injections appropriate?
Vitamin B12 injections may be prescribed when:
A deficiency has been confirmed
Oral supplementation is unsuitable or ineffective
There is a medical reason affecting absorption
The dose and frequency depend on individual clinical factors and national guidance.
Are B12 injections safe?
When prescribed appropriately, vitamin B12 injections are generally well tolerated.
As with any injectable medicine, there can be side effects, which should be discussed during consultation.
This is another reason injections must only be supplied following proper clinical review.
How our pharmacy service works
At Pharmacy Clinic Edinburgh:
All vitamin B12 injections are supplied following a clinical consultation
Treatment is provided only when clinically appropriate
We follow UK prescribing and governance standards
If B12 injections are not suitable, we will advise on alternative next steps, including referral or oral supplementation where appropriate.
