Preparation and Aftercare

Vitamin D injections can be a great way to boost your Vitamin D levels, especially if you have a deficiency. After getting a Vitamin D injection, here's some straightforward aftercare advice: 

• Site Care: The injection site might be a bit sore. Keep it clean and dry. If you notice redness, swelling, or ongoing pain, contact your healthcare provider. 

• Rest if Needed: You might feel a bit tired after the injection. It's okay to rest. Listen to your body. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Hydration helps your body use the Vitamin D effectively. 

• Monitor for Reactions: Rarely, people have reactions to injections. If you feel dizzy, have trouble breathing, or notice a rash, seek medical help right away. 

• Follow Up: Your doctor might want to check your Vitamin D levels after the injection. Make sure to go for these follow-up appointments.

• Healthy Diet: Continue eating a balanced diet. Foods rich in Vitamin D, like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods, support overall health. 

• Sun Exposure: Moderate sun exposure helps with Vitamin D. But remember to protect your skin. Use sunscreen and avoid long exposure to direct sunlight. 

• Avoid Over-Supplementation: Don't take extra Vitamin D supplements unless your doctor advises it. Too much Vitamin D can be harmful. 

It is essential that you have read all of the information available. Please do let your practitioner know if you have any questions or if you do not understand any of the aftercare instructions provided. 

1. Two Weeks Before Treatment:

Confirm Your Need for Injection:

Ensure a confirmed Vitamin B12 deficiency through blood tests or a diagnosis from your healthcare provider.

Discuss with your doctor if you have underlying conditions (e.g., anaemia, nerve disorders, or gastrointestinal issues) that may influence your B12 needs.

Inform About Medications:

Share any medications or supplements you’re taking, especially if they might affect Vitamin B12 absorption (e.g., metformin or proton pump inhibitors).

Avoid High-Dose Supplements:

Unless advised otherwise, stop high-dose oral Vitamin B12 supplements prior to your injection to avoid masking symptoms or skewing blood tests.

2. One Week Before Treatment:

Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water to ensure optimal circulation and help your body absorb the injection efficiently.

Healthy Diet:

Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, folate, and protein, as these nutrients support red blood cell production and maximise the benefits of B12.

Limit Alcohol Intake:

Alcohol can interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption and may increase dehydration, so reduce consumption.

3. Two to Three Days Before Treatment:

Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Medications:

Refrain from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these may increase the risk of bruising. *If prescribed by your docor, consult with them before discontinuing* 

Skip Strenuous Activities:

Avoid intense workouts that could strain the muscles near the injection site (commonly the upper arm or thigh).

Focus on Hydration:

Continue drinking water regularly to prepare your body for optimal Vitamin B12 utilisation.

4. On the Day of Treatment:

Eat a Light Meal:

Having a small meal before your appointment helps prevent light-headedness during the injection.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink at least 500ml of water before your visit to stay hydrated and improve circulation.

Wear Comfortable Clothing:

Choose loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to the injection site (usually the upper arm, or possibly buttock).

Stay Calm and Relaxed:

Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and feel at ease before the procedure.

5. Aftercare Awareness:

Although primarily part of post-treatment, knowing this in advance can help with planning:

Avoid Intense Exercise:

Refrain from heavy workouts or activities that stress the injection site for 24 hours.

Watch for Reactions:

While side effects are rare, mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site is normal. Contact your practitioner if symptoms persist.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well:

Drinking water and consuming a nutrient-rich diet will help your body utilise the B12 

effectively.

6. Discuss with Your Practitioner:

Medical History:

Share any conditions like kidney disease, anaemia, or nervous system disorders that may affect your eligibility or dosage.

Medications and Allergies:

Notify your practitioner about medications (e.g., antibiotics, antacids) or allergies to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

Please follow the aftercare advice for intramuscular Vitamin B12 injection. 

 • You may experience some mild tenderness, redness and swelling around the injection site. These effects will usually resolve within 48 hours but may last longer in some cases. 

 • You may experience some bruising around the injection site, this will resolve naturally but may take 1-2 weeks to resolve. 

 • If you experience any discomfort afterwards you can take a simple over the counter painkiller such as paracetamol. 

 • You must seek medical attention and contact your practitioner if you develop any signs or symptoms of skin infection around the injection site. Infection can present as hot, red shiny skin, there may be pus formation and you may have a fever or feel generally unwell. 

• You must contact your practitioner as soon as possible if you experience any other unwanted side effects after having the injection. 

• Seek medical attention if you feel unwell or experience any significant side effects following the injection. 

• Seek emergency medical attention in the rare event that you experience any severe allergy signs or features of anaphylaxis after the injection. These may include rash, facial swelling and breathing difficulties. 

It is essential that you have read all of the information available.

Please do let your practitioner know if you have any questions or if you do not understand any of the aftercare instructions provided below.