Looking for advice regarding the storage of B12 ampoules....

[ARRozental]

Hello.

I have ordered *100 Vitamin B12 Depot Rotexmedica and am aware that the enclosed instructions will most likely be in German, including the instructions on storage. As such, are there any special provisions that I need to make for storing the B12? Can I place it in a medicine cupboard/drawer or will it require refrigeration or a temperature controlled environment?

Thanks.

[ARRozental]

Also, does anyone know whether Vitamin B12 Depot Rotexmedica is methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin based? I am hoping that it is the latter, as I have been told that it is more effective.

[wedgewood in reply to ARRozental]

Rotexmedica produce both Cynocobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin.I have just read through the leaflet that comes in the packet . At point 5 ,” How to store B12 depot-Rotexmedica “. It just says keep out of the reach of children . Do not use past the use-by date .Keep ampoules in the packet so that the ampoules are in the dark..

It also says that the contents of the ampoule should be used immediately after opening . Any unused portion should be disposed of .

Strangely no mention of keeping below 25c , or not keeping in the fridge .

There are no instructions on the packet itself

If I have the strength , I will e mail them and ask about temperatures

[Gambit62 Administrator]

could be either cyano or hydroxocobalamin depending on what you ordered- they do both.

Most important thing in terms of storage is keeping away from light - second is keeping below 25C - so no need to keep refrigerated unless the room temperature is above this.

Phials are glass so don't put them in the freezer and keep them away from heat sources - latter is certainly one of the storage instructions.

[deniseinmilden]

I Googled "Vitamin B12 Depot Rotexmedica leaflet" and got the following pdf.

medicines.org.uk/emc/files/...

It is the same as the one in the box of ampoules I had once from my Dr and I think it is for the ones you have bought.

Somewhere on here I saw that if it says "Depot" then it is hydroxocobalamin. I believe Rotexmedica also make cyanocobalamin but it is considered to be slightly shorter acting and therefore isn't called "Depot". If anyone can verify this, please, it would be good.

In hospitals and Drs surgeries they are kept in a drugs drawer or cabinet at ambient temperature and I am not aware of any extra care to try to keep them below 25 degrees.

I always keep some ampoules in my car in case I can't get home before I need my next jab and I regularly use these up. Consequently these get pretty hot at times but I haven't noticed any difference in them.

The main thing is they are kept dark (light will degrade the B12), cool, and dry (so the packaging doesn't grow moulds or bacteria which could contaminate your injection site).

Well done on getting this far and good luck with getting your life back.

You may find that you will also benefit from taking a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement plus extra folate, potassium, magnesium and iron as your body will use up extra vitamins and minerals to make the B12 work properly and help to repair damage caused by the deficiency.

[shaggee]

Just checked my box which was from the chemist and says store below 25 C and away from light. (Hydroxocobalamine)

Cheers

[ACritical in reply to shaggee]

I store mine in a Tupperware box in small fridge I keep for water and drinks in utility room. It occasionally gets opened so no regular temperature fluctuations, light off most of the time. Probably will last a bit longer then use by date that way, I hope.

[ARRozental]

Thanks for your helpful replies.