Vitamin C Injection
This is an informed consent form that has been prepared to help inform you of the potential benefits and risks of vitamin C injection. It is important that you read this information carefully and discuss fully with your practitioner before proceeding with treatment.
It is also important that you take as much time as you need to consider the treatment carefully, weighing up all your options before reaching an informed decision. It is essential that you are aware of your right to have a second opinion and you are encouraged to ask any questions that come to mind throughout the entirety of the process.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant, essential for collagen production, wound healing, prevention of cell damage and production of certain neurotransmitters. Vitamin C also contributes to normal immune system functioning. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and a healthy diet should provide you with all the vitamin C you require. The recommended intake of vitamin C is 40mg per day to maintain health.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to an illness called scurvy; this is a rare disease in the UK as most people get enough vitamin C from their diets.
Replacement of vitamin C can take the form or oral or injection supplements. Note that taking too much vitamin C can be harmful and lead to side effects. Doses over 1000mg per day may lead to side effects. Injection of vitamin C can be given where oral supplementation is not possible or practical. Vitamin C can be used off-label, common reasons include use as an immune system booster, to boost general health, to aid cancer treatment and as a weight loss treatment. There is no medical evidence that vitamin C works for any of these reasons, it has not been shown to help treat cancer, help with weight loss or prevent the common cold.
If you are considering vitamin C injection you must seek medical advice from your GP/doctor beforehand. Vitamin C injection is not a substitute for medical care, if you are unwell you should seek medical care from your doctor. It is important that you see your doctor/GP if you suspect or display symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. It is important also to not exceed the recommended doses of vitamin C. If you have a known vitamin C deficiency, then investigation of the cause and replacement should be conducted by your doctor/GP only.
An intramuscular injection of vitamin C is given into the Deltoid muscle in the side of the upper arm. The procedure is very quick, you may feel a short, sharp pain during the injection.
Vitamin C injection must be prescribed by a doctor or a nurse prescriber. If your vitamin C injector is non-medical, then you will require a separate consultation appointment with a prescribing clinician. The prescriber will need to know all your medical information including allergies, they will also prescribe a safe dose of vitamin C injection for you and discuss the other options available to you.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS: You must be aware of the following side effects of intramuscular vitamin C injection before commencing treatment. You must fully discuss any questions with your practitioner and prescriber before proceeding.
I understand the common side effects are pain during injection, redness, swelling and soreness around the injection site lasting up to a few days. You may also experience some bruising around the injection site also. Some people can faint or feel faint with needles and injections, it is important to tell your practitioner as soon as possible if you feel unwell during or after the injection.
Side effects are uncommon at does less than 1000mg of vitamin C per day. For doses over 1000mg per day common side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbance, abdominal pains, diarrhoea and flatulence. Rare side effects include increased risk of kidney stone formation and iron overload,
There is also a rare risk of allergic reaction or anaphylactic reaction to vitamin C injection. In the event of anaphylaxis or any serious side effects, you would require emergency medical attention.
I have been advised of the relevant information associated with this treatment and I confirm that I fully understand this advice. This includes advice about:
- the aims/motivations for having the procedure and the desired outcome
- the risks inherent in the procedure
- the risks inherent in refusing the procedure
- the risks specific to me
- the expected benefits of the treatment
- the potential disadvantages of the treatment
- alternative procedures and their pros and cons - including the option of no treatment at all
- any uncertainties about and the likelihood of success of the procedure
- any follow-up treatment that may be required
I request treatment with Vitamin C injection. The injection of vitamin C has been explained to me and my questions regarding such treatment have been answered to my satisfaction. The information given to me has been in clear terms and I understand the risks, benefits, possible side effects and complications of the treatment. I certify that I am in good health. I have read the information about the vitamin C injection.
I have been asked what information I want and would need in order to make an informed decision. I have been given the opportunity to discuss my desired outcome fully in order for me to make an informed decision.
I certify that I have read the above consent and that I fully understand it. I have been given ample opportunity for discussion and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. No new information has become available that affects my decision to have the treatment or my decision to consent. I hereby consent to this procedure. This constitutes the full disclosure and supersedes any previous verbal or written disclosures.
