Regulatory Advisory: B12 Shots Require Pharmacy Prescription in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is reminding both consumers and businesses that vitamin B12 injections require a prescription in Illinois and may only be administered under the direct supervision of a medical provider. Licensed medical providers include: MDs, DOs, APNs, or PAs.

The Advisory comes as IDFPR has taken recent action against health spas and vitamin shops in Illinois for administering and dispensing vitamin B12 shots. It is unlawful for a company that is not a licensed health care entity or owned by a physician or advanced practice nurse to offer vitamin B12 shots. Unlicensed administering and dispensing of B12 injections in Illinois is considered unlicensed practice of medicine, a Class 4 felony that also carries civil penalties.