DOES INJECTABLE B12 HAVE TO BE SHIPPED REFRIGERATED?

[Dopey-Grumpy-Sleepy]

I'm in the U.S. and I've been buying injectable methylcobalamin from a U.S. supplier. It contains alcohol as a preservative which makes it sting when injected. I'm wondering if the B12 that many forum members get from Germany is shipped refrigerated? If so, I don't know how feasible it is to have it shipped to the U.S., but a pilot friend will be travelling to Mexico and has offered to pick up B12 ampoules while there. My concern is that if it needs to be refrigerated, it will be damaged by the time I get it. Any advice?

Thanks,

Jayne

[fbirder]

Methylcobalamin is much more unstable that either cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin (that we use in Europe). Methylcobalamin should be stored at less than 5 C and shipped chilled as close to that as possible. Cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin can be shipped and stored up to 25 C.

Methylcobalamin often contains benzyl alcohol which can cause reactions in some people.

Personally, I'd go for cyanocobalamin. Just as effective as methylcobalamin (if not better), easier to source, cheaper and more stable. And perfectly safe unless you have a particular rare eye problem.

[Dopey-Grumpy-Sleepy in reply to fbirder]

Fbirder, thanks for answering my question and so much more.

Jayne

[Bubbles1959]

Id be concerned about meds from Mexico. Be sare.

[Dopey-Grumpy-Sleepy in reply to Bubbles1959]

Thanks for your concern. My research has indicated that purchasing from licensed Mexican pharmacies, particularly the large free-standing and supermarket chains is very safe. Further, many drugs sold in the U.S. are manufactured in South America and Mexico where the Health Ministry wields enormous power over the quality of drugs manufactured in country.

Jayne