Vitamin B3 for Happier Injections
At Flow Wellness, we’re here to help you feel your best while losing weight—not just hit a number on the scale. GLP-1 medications are incredibly effective for reducing appetite, improving blood sugar, and supporting sustainable fat loss. But for some patients, especially over time, the injections can come with a bothersome side effect: redness, itching, or irritation at the injection site.
That’s where Vitamin B3—specifically in the form of niacinamide—can make a difference.
What Is Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)?
Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble nutrient that helps your body turn food into energy and supports healthy skin and nerve function. We use a specific form—niacinamide, not niacin—because it has calming, anti-inflammatory effects without causing the flushing associated with higher-dose niacin.
It’s gentle, safe, and especially useful when paired with injectable medications that may irritate the skin.
Why Add B3 to Your GLP-1 Shot?
If you’ve noticed any of the following after your injection:
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Redness or swelling
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Mild itching, heat, or raised skin
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Local irritation that makes you hesitant to keep going
B3 may help calm your skin and make your weekly shot more comfortable. It won’t change the way the medication works in your body, but it can reduce irritation and help you stay consistent—without dreading your next dose.
Beyond Redness: Why Add B3 to Your GLP‑1 Shot?
Vitamin B3 can help calm irritation and improve skin health. But that’s not all:
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Strengthens Skin Barrier
Niacinamide helps support your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it more resilient—no more dry or sensitive skin around the injection site. -
Reduces Hyperpigmentation & Scarring
It helps even out skin tone and soothe pigmentation or minor discoloration from repeated injections. -
Supports Collagen & Skin Repair
Niacinamide encourages collagen production, which helps the skin stay stronger and more elastic over time. -
Anti-Inflammatory & Barrier Repair
It helps calm inflammation at the site and speeds skin healing, protecting against ongoing irritation.
How We Use B3 at Flow Wellness
We don’t offer B3 as a standalone product. However, it’s included in a compounded GLP-one medications from OptioRx Pharmacy, which we can send to patients throughout Oregon, Washington, and California.
If you’re experiencing ongoing irritation or want to prevent it from starting, your Flow provider can help you switch to a formulation that includes B3. It’s a small change that can make your entire weight loss plan feel easier. The best way to contact your provider is through the portal: here.
What Patients Say
Patients who switch to a formulation that includes B3 often tell us:
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Their skin feels less irritated after injections
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Redness or itching clears up faster—or doesn’t happen at all
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They’re more confident and consistent with weekly shots
Your weight loss journey should feel empowering—not uncomfortable. At Flow, we’re always looking for ways to make your plan more sustainable, more effective, and more supportive of your whole body. Vitamin B3 is one of those behind-the-scenes helpers that can make a big difference, especially for patients with sensitive skin.
Still struggling with injection site irritation or redness? Don’t worry! This is an uncommon, but known reaction to GLP-1 shots and doesn’t affect the efficacy of the medicine. Sometimes an over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamine such as Claritin or Zyrtec can help, or you can apply over-the-counter topical 1% hydrocortisone cream. If you’re one of the few who does experience this reaction, it should resolve on its own within a week or two. If not, please get it checked out by your regular health provider. Check out more about injection site reactions in our blog post: Rash with GLP-1 Injection?
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. IV/Injected vitamin formulations are not FDA approved and not indicated for any medical condition.GLP-1 weight loss medication may only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care provider. If your prescriber feels GLP-1 medication is right for you, obtaining a prescription is hassle-free through Flow Wellness.
