How to store Methylcobalamin

[ARRozental]

Hello

I have received a box of Methylcobalamin ampoules/vials from Arnika by way of Intravita, and am confused as to the method of storage. The information on the box states that is should be store between 15 and 25 degrees centigrade. Other information on the internet, however contradicts this and states that it should be stored in a refrigerator, as it will just turn into Hydroxocobalamin if left in a warm environment. If I opt to refrigerate it, despite the box instructions, will the Methylcobalamin be damaged? Any advice or confirmation on storage would be appreciated.

[fbirder]

It should be stored refrigerated.

Intravita say that it doesn't. They are wrong.

That may influence your trust in them as a company.

[ARRozental in reply to fbirder]

I will refrigerate it then. I have had the Methylcobalamin for just over a day, so it hopefully has not been significantly degraded/damaged by being stored at room temperature (unless it has been stored that way at their premises, of course). As for my confidence in Intravita, I may opt to purchase the powdered Methylcobalamin from Oxford Sciences in future (with the difficulty of having to mix up a saline solution).

Thanks for the advice

[fbirder in reply to ARRozental]

Why do you want methylcobalamin? Hydroxocobalamin is better in many ways.

[jarlethblue in reply to fbirder]

should Cyano injections also be stored in the fridge? thanks. J

[fbirder in reply to jarlethblue]

Nope. Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin need to be stored below 25 C in the dark.

[ukbd in reply to jarlethblue]

If you live in a warm climate, as I do, store them in the fridge within the/a box to avoid any degradation (or to play it safe). After you remove a vial from the box/fridge for injection, always hold it in a clenched fist or roll it quickly between the palms of your hands for 2 min to slightly warm the solution before injection. If you don't, it'll sting.

[ARRozental in reply to fbirder]

Desperation really. I was diagnosed as B12 deficient last January after suffering with symptoms (aching joints, weakness and stiffness in ankles, thighs, upper arms and fingers, fatigue, protracted headaches and mind fog) for three years. I received the loading doses shortly after the diagnosis, saw a significant improvement in my symptoms two weeks after receiving the doses that lasted about three weeks, followed by a worsening of my symptoms. I received doses at three month, then one month intervals which had no effect on my symptoms. I then started self injecting every other day with hydroxocobalamin for three weeks with no effect, so I inject weekly for now.

I underwent the Pernicious Anaemia intrinsic factor antibody test, which was negative and was later sent for an endoscopy which also ruled out Pernicious Anaemia, so I have no idea what caused the deficiency in the first place. I suppose it is possible that my symptoms have less to do with B12 deficiency and more to do with another undiagnosed cause, such as MS.

As it is, the hydroxocobalamin doesn't seem to be working. I have heard and read from various sources that methylcobalamin was a superior form of Vitamin B12 and that some people might have trouble converting/metabolising hydroxocobalamin in their body. As such, I thought that it would be worth a try.

[ARRozental in reply to ARRozental]

I dare say it is possible that I just didn't inject the hydroxocobalamin at a suitable interval- once weekly may not be sufficient, nor once every other day. I have read testimony from a few people on this message board having to inject once or twice a day to see any symptom improvement.

[rosiered66]

My Doc keeps them in a drawer!

[fbirder in reply to rosiered66]

That'll be hydroxocobalamin then.