VitC leaflet text

Using sterile vitC sachets

To keep vein damage to a minimum it is important to use as little as possible.

We are supplying sterile ascorbic acid BP (vitamin C) in sachets because:

• an acid is needed to dissolve brown heroin and crack cocaine for injection;
• other acids such as lemon juice or vinegar can cause serious health problems including eye infections that can lead to blindness; and
• some people are injecting vitamin C from other sources – such as tablets – which is dangerous.
  

The sachets are for single use only. Use as little as possible and throw away any that is left over.

If you get pain or redness at an injecting site stop injecting there. Ask your needle exchange, drug service or GP for advice.

Safer injecting

Injecting is the most dangerous way to take drugs, the risks include:

• getting hepatitis or HIV from shared equipment;
• overdose; and
• damage to skin and veins.

Please think seriously about switching to a less risky way of taking drugs such as snorting or smoking.

If you are going to inject:

• use new sterile injecting equipment every time;
• don’t share anything used to prepare drugs; and
• use different injecting sites – to help veins recover

Ask your needle exchange or drug service for further advice and information.

tools for harm reduction