Freezing b12

[Themabinogion]

Hello all, does anyone know if b12 vials can be stored in a freezer and then defrosted and used at a later date. Thanks in advance

[Nackapan]

I very much doubt it. The leaflet has on it how it can be stored.

[Xena2202]

I doubt that’s a good idea but I would maybe ask a pharmacist

[Themabinogion in reply to Xena2202]

Thanks Xena2202 I will ask the pharmacist

[xeena in reply to Themabinogion]

Hi there - i have to keep mine in a dark cool cupboard as they cannot be kept in a fridge or freezer - hope this helps.

[wedgewood in reply to xeena]

I put mine in the top of the fridge when the temperature goes above 25c .which is the temperature limit for them . I have a thermometer up there , and it’s around 8c , and they remain effective .

[xeena in reply to wedgewood]

Hi there - yes i to have a thermometer in my bedroom cupboard and the temperature is around 9c at the moment and i was told that it should not go over 25c as they will not really be any good - it is nice and cool in the bottom of my cupboard, but i do keep a good watch on everything - just in case. Hope you are well.

[wedgewood in reply to xeena]

Yes a good idea to keep an eye on the temperature . I’m well, I thanks to adequate B12 treatment .(I self-inject , as I couldn’t get sufficient B12 injections from the GP ,) Hope you keep well too in these strange times . 👍

[xeena in reply to wedgewood]

I know the feeling only to well - i inject monthly at the moment but i think i need to do it more often - as you say strange times indeed. I have not been out since the end of February as i had to self isolate and still am because of my Asthma and COPD -not much fun when you are on your own and cannot use the garden - but at least i am okay and hope to stay that way. I am waiting for my online shopping to be delivered at the moment, so i will put my face mask and face shield on as the delivery guys do not wear them - i offer them some but they say no thankyou - they are very polite and also very helpful. Keep safe and i hope your injections are working for you. Take care.

[Themabinogion in reply to wedgewood]

I had an injection at the surgery last Tuesday but by yesterday the breathing problem is back, tongue is swollen, toes left foot numb and same with thumb. With lockdown, there’s a worry about getting food for my dogs, getting deliveries and then doctor says no injections for a year, I thought that’s the final straw. Injections were eventually restored when I pointed out that I don’t get the injections for cosmetic reasons, I have PA. So, I thought I would never rely on the doctors again and make sure that I have a supply of b12. I was brought up to respect the medical profession, teachers etc. but now every time I think about the doctors at my surgery, I imagine them hiding behind a desk, waving a whit flag. And that’s my moan for the day. Keep well all

[Martin_12]

Water expands when it freezes, so the glass ampules will probably break if the contents freeze. The water contains dissolved solids so will freeze below 0 deg C, but I don't know by how much. I would advise against freezing B12 in liquid form. When I keep my B12 in the fridge I put a fridge thermometer nearby so I can be sure the temperature stays above 0 deg C.

[Themabinogion in reply to Martin_12]

Thanks Martin didn’t think of that, probably a bad idea

[fbirder]

Keeping it frozen will slow down degradation. However, as Martin_12 says, there is a possibility that the expansion of the water might crack the vial, although I think the air gap would be enough to prevent that.

I would stick with the recommended storage - room temperature, in the dark.

[Themabinogion]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I’m going to put a vial into the freezer in a sealed container for a week to see if the air gap takes up the expansion. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks again