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If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, lightheaded, or noticing tingling in your hands or feet, you might be looking for ways to boost your energy—maybe even considering how to get a prescription for B12 shots. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting vitamin B12 injections in the U.S.—from who may benefit, to online options, to safety and side effects. Keep reading to get the answers you need and the steps to take.
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B12 injections and how they work
Vitamin B12 injections are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously to treat or prevent deficiency. They bypass the digestive system, delivering vitamin B12 directly into your bloodstream. This is especially helpful if you have absorption issues. After an injection, B12 is absorbed, carried by specific proteins, and stored mainly in the liver. B12 helps support red blood cell production, maintain nerve function, and assist in DNA synthesis.
Who may benefit from B12 shots
B12 injections are commonly used to treat people with:
- Pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder that reduces intrinsic factors needed for B12 absorption. Pernicious anemia typically requires lifelong B12 injection therapy.
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or surgical changes like gastric bypass
- Older adults who may have reduced B12 absorption
- People who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, as B12 is mainly found in animal-based foods
- People taking medications like PPIs or metformin or those with folate deficiency
Real reddit experiences
Below are some first-hand accounts from Reddit users:
“I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia after months of fatigue and neuropathy. IM B12 shots every month completely changed my energy levels.”
—u/autoimmune_warrior
“After gastric bypass surgery, I couldn’t absorb oral supplements—B12 injections have kept my levels stable. I feel so much better.”
—u/healthysurgeon
These personal stories reflect what’s seen clinically—people with absorption problems often respond better to injections than oral supplements.
Do you need a prescription for B12 injections?
Yes. In the U.S., injectable B12 (cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin) is only available with a prescription, as regulated by the FDA. Over-the-counter options include oral tablets or nasal sprays. Injections require medical oversight to ensure proper dosing and safety.
Can you get a B12 shot prescribed online?
Yes. Telehealth providers can prescribe B12 shots. These services follow state licensing laws and offer legitimate medical care. A provider will typically:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Request a recent blood test to check B12 levels
- Evaluate whether injections are appropriate
If B12 shots are recommended, the provider can issue a prescription, which you can fill at a local pharmacy or through a telehealth pharmacy that ships to you.
How to get a prescription for B12 shots online
Here’s a step-by-step process:
Recognize symptoms or risk factors
Fatigue, pale skin, “pins and needles” sensations, mood changes, and memory issues are common symptoms. Risk factors include older age, gastrointestinal disorders, vegan diets, or use of certain medications like metformin or PPIs.
Get your vitamin B12 levels tested
A blood test that measures serum B12 (typically reported in pg/mL) is essential. Levels below 200–250 pg/mL usually indicate deficiency.
Consult with a healthcare provider
You can visit a primary care provider, walk-in clinic, or telehealth platform that offers lab review. Share your symptoms, test results, and health history.
Choose your prescription method
- In-office injections are typically administered monthly.
- Home injection kits may be available if prescribed and supplied by your pharmacy.
Obtain your medication
You may receive your injection at a clinic, pick it up from your local pharmacy, or have it shipped from an online provider.
Learn the administration protocol
A healthcare provider will explain how to administer the injection.
A typical FDA-approved regimen for pernicious anemia includes:
• 100 µg IM/SC daily for 6–7 days
• Then every other day for 7 doses
• Then every 3–4 days for 2–3 weeks
• Followed by 100 µg monthly for life
Schedule follow-up and monitor progress
Potassium levels should be monitored during the first 48 hours of treatment, as rapid red blood cell production may lead to hypokalemia and, rarely, sudden death. B12 levels and symptoms should be reassessed every 3–6 months, then yearly.
How to talk to your doctor about getting B12 injections
Describe specific symptoms
Mention fatigue, neuropathy, memory problems, mood changes, or digestive issues.
Bring recent lab results
If your B12 levels are low—especially below 300 pg/mL—bring the test results to your appointment.
Highlight risk factors
Share relevant details like your diet, past surgeries, or medication use.
Be open to recommendations
Your provider may recommend a course of injections, oral B12, or both—based on what’s best for your situation.
Are B12 injections safe? Side effects and precautions
Vitamin B12 injections are generally safe, but some side effects have been reported.
Common side effects:
- Injection site discomfort
- Mild diarrhea
- Hot flashes
- Dizziness or itching
Precautions:
- Avoid B12 injections if you’re allergic to cobalt or have Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy.
- People with severe anemia should be monitored for low potassium (hypokalemia), which in rare cases may lead to sudden death.
- Rare allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. A test dose may be recommended if you have a history of sensitivity.
- Some formulations contain benzyl alcohol and aluminum, which may pose risks for infants or those with kidney conditions.
Key takeaway
- B12 injections are prescription-only in the U.S. and require medical evaluation.
- B12 injections are especially helpful for people who can’t absorb B12 through diet or supplements—such as those with pernicious anemia or GI conditions.
- B12 injections are typically given monthly, and telehealth makes them more accessible.
- Serious side effects of B12 are injections rare but should be discussed with your provider before starting treatment.
Want to get a prescription for B12 injections?
Feeling tired or foggy? Klarity Health connects you with licensed providers who can assess your symptoms, review your lab results, and prescribe B12 injections if medically appropriate. Visit Klarity Health to get started from the comfort of home.
Looking for a prescription online?
Klarity Health connects you with providers who assess your needs and may prescribe medication when clinically appropriate.
FAQs about how to get a prescription for B12 shots
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
