An intramuscular (IM) injection means that a needle is inserted into the muscle and that medicine is injected into the body.

In other words, it’s “a shot”.

The benefits of an IM injection:

  1. Injectables are not affected by stomach or intestinal absorption problems.
  2. Total amount of the injection is available to the body. Medicines are forced into cells by means of a high concentration gradient.
  3. IM injections of a long-acting medication reduces the need to take a daily medication

Side effects of IM injections include:

  1. Occasional discomfort, bruising and pain at the site of injection
  2. Inflammation, mild swelling or redness at the site injection
  3. If there is ever a rash or itching at the site, your provider needs to know that

Examples of commonly administered IM injections are : B12, B-complex, Vitamin D, and CoQ10