Resolved question:
I was recently taking a self-administered B12 shot (methylcobalamin). The pharmacy gave me a vial filled with 10,000 mcg/vial in powder form, and a separate vial with 11 mL of bacteriostatic water (label says sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservative). Prescribed dosage is 1 mL (1,000 mcg) per shot, intramuscular into buttock with 1 inch needle.
The directions said to transfer 10 mL of the bacteriostatic water into the vial with B12 powder, and then shake well. I misread the label and only transferred 5 mL. I then gave myself a 1 mL shot in the upper left quadrant of the buttock, twice the recommended dosage. From reading several research articles online, I understand that the 2,000 mcg dose itself is harmless given B12 is water soluble.
However, I am worried that the liquid was cloudy, and may have contained precipitate (undissolved powder) in it. From reading about IM injections online, it appears that injecting a precipitate can cause pulmonary embolism. It seems that this occurs pretty rarely, do I have anything to worry about? I took this dose over 24 hours ago, has the window in which this could occur passed?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Pulmonologist
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Yes an isolated shot of 2000 mcg of methylcobalamin won't cause any damage. Only when it is taken for a period of time, toxicity can occur.
Secondly, if the liquid was indeed cloudy, you would have manifested symptoms right away.
Since 24 hours has already passed, you really do not need to worry about any emboli.
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.