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Vitamin B12 Injection

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps to keep your nerves and blood cells healthy. 


Book your appointment at a time and place that's convenient for you. Many of our pharmacies are open seven days a week, including some evenings. 


Our bodies don’t make Vitamin B12, it is obtained from foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs. You may have a deficiency if you are vegan, don’t eat enough B12 rich food, or if you have other health conditions which mean you are unable to absorb it properly, such as pernicious anaemia.

What is Vitamin B12?


Vitamin B12 is needed to make new cells in the body such as red blood cells. A lack of vitamin B12 leads to anaemia, low energy, stomach problems (constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss), poor memory and nerve damage.


Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. It is is found in meat, fish, eggs, and milk. It is generally not found in plant foods but many foods have added vitamin B12 such as breakfast cereals. A normal balanced diet usually contains enough vitamin B12. 


The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia.  Some problems of the gut can also be a cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is less uncommon, for example:

  • surgery to remove parts of the bowel (the stomach or the end of the small intestine) 

  • Crohn's disease 

  • atrophic gastritis (where the lining of the stomach is thinned).


A deficiency of vitamin B12 can also occur with poor nutrition. Long term strict vegetarian or vegan diets (no animal products) are associated with a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding when more vitamin B12 is needed.


The level of vitamin B12 in the body can be measured by a blood test. If you have low levels of vitamin B12 your doctor may prescribe hydroxocobalamin, which is given as an injection.  


How is the B12 Injection given?


  • This is usually given as an intramuscular injection, every 2-3 months.

  • Alternatives to an intramuscular injection are: Oral Vitamin B12 at a dose of at least 1000mcg per day.

  • It is important to monitor your symptoms if you change to oral B12.


What can you expect in your appointment?


Step 1 - Book your Vitamin B12 injection

Find your nearest participating pharmacy.


Step 2 - Attend your consultation

To discuss your symptoms and to help us decide if the B12 injection is suitable to you.


Step 3 - Get your Vitamin B12 injection

Get your B12 injection from one of our qualified pharmacists.


Living Rewards members receive 10 Living Rewards points when they get their vitamin B12 injection.

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Unichem Albany Mega Centre Pharmacy

11 Coliseum Drive, Albany, AUCKLAND 0632

(09) 415 0655

Unichem Apollo Pharmacy

119 Apollo Drive, Albany, AUCKLAND 0632

(09) 476 9016

Unichem Browns Bay Pharmacy

66 Clyde Road, North Shore, AUCKLAND 0630

(09) 478 7069

Unichem Campus Pharmacy

Level 1, Student Commons, 9 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD, AUCKLAND 1010

(09) 377 1991

Unichem Alexandra Pharmacy

4-6 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra, OTAGO 9340

(03) 448 8871

Unichem Beerescourt Pharmacy

1365 Victoria Street, Beerescourt, Hamilton, WAIKATO 3240

(07) 838 2319

Unichem Buchanans Pharmacy

Paramount Plaza, 81 Paramount Parade, Tikipunga, WHANGAREI 0112

(09) 435 3323

Unichem Cashel Pharmacy

111 Cashel Street, Christchurch, CANTERBURY 8011

(03) 595 1289

Unichem All Seasons Pharmacy

288 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu South, AUCKLAND 0652

(09) 834 3067

Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy

37 Bishopdale Court, Christchurch, CANTERBURY 8543

(03) 359 8302

Unichem Cambridge Pharmacy

52 Victoria Street, Cambridge, WAIKATO 3434

(07) 823 0700

Unichem Cherrywood Pharmacy

52-54 Cherrywood Drive, Otumoetai, Tauranga, BAY OF PLENTY 3145

(07) 576 9404

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