Compounded · Not FDA-approved

Vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections: uses, dosing, side effects and where to get it

Vitamin B12 shots, sometimes mixed with methionine, inositol and choline (“MIC” or lipotropic injections). B12 injections treat deficiency; for energy or healthy aging in people with normal levels, there is no good trial evidence.

By the RxLineup editorial team · Fact-checked against provider sites and FDA labels · Updated Oct 17, 2026

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Active ingredient: Cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, often with methionine, inositol and choline
Made by: Compounding pharmacies; cyanocobalamin injection by many generic makers
Form: Injection
Price online: Prices vary by clinic.

Safety

The cyanocobalamin label warns of anaphylaxis, which has been fatal, after injected B12; of low potassium when severe anemia is treated intensely; and of rapid optic nerve damage in people with early Leber’s disease. People sensitive to cobalt or B12 should not use it. Compounded MIC blends aren’t FDA-reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality.

Talk to a licensed clinician about your health history and every medication you take before you start.

Legal status

Prescription only; the ingredient has an FDA-approved form, but compounded versions are not FDA-approved, and this use is off-label. Vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections are prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual prescription. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Their use for longevity is off-label: a use the FDA label does not cover, which a clinician may still choose. Cyanocobalamin is an approved drug, and methylcobalamin and choline chloride are in Category 1 of FDA’s 503A list (updated May 14, 2026). The basis for compounding methionine and inositol is unconfirmed, and MIC blends are not FDA-reviewed.

What vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections are

Vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections contain cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, often with methionine, inositol and choline. Using B12 or MIC injections for energy, weight loss or aging in people without a deficiency is off-label.

What the FDA has approved

Cyanocobalamin injection is approved for vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption, such as pernicious anemia
No MIC (methionine, inositol, choline) combination is approved

Dosing

Injection. Set by your prescriber. Clinics we checked sell 10 mL multi-dose vials and monthly or 4-week supplies.

How well it works

B12 injections correct a proven deficiency. We found no controlled trial showing that B12 or MIC injections improve energy, weight or aging in people with normal B12 levels. Individual results vary.

Vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections cost

Prices vary by clinic.

Related guides

Questions, answered

How much do vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections cost online?

Prices vary by clinic.

Are vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections FDA-approved?

No. Vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections are compounded: a compounding pharmacy prepares them for an individual prescription, and they aren’t FDA-approved. Cyanocobalamin is an approved drug, and methylcobalamin and choline chloride are in Category 1 of FDA’s 503A list (updated May 14, 2026). The basis for compounding methionine and inositol is unconfirmed, and MIC blends are not FDA-reviewed.

How do you take vitamin B12 and lipotropic (MIC) injections?