One more question...on expiration date - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,318 members23,534 posts

One more question...on expiration date

EiCa profile image
EiCa
2 Replies

I received ten syringes of hydroxycobolamin (not ampoules like you get in Europe but 1000mcg/1ml syringes from a local compounding pharmacy; no preservatives) On the outside of the package it said they expire in 90 days. Because I am adjusting slowly to these injections, I am using them slowly. However, I got two different expiration opinions. The pharmacy said they are only good for 30 days but the expiration date on the package was based on the old guidelines of 90 days for hydroxycobolamin. The pharmacist further explained that they had changed nothing with the formulation. In other words, while they are now required (by some regulation) to say they expire in 30 days but they have been dispensing the exact same formulation for 90 days for a very long time with no problems. Of course, I would like to go with the 90 day expiration but I want to be safe. Any opinions?

I hope I wrote this to be understandable. Another pharmacist had previously told me that while methylcobolamin was good for 90 days, hydroxy was not. I am confused.

Written by
EiCa profile image
EiCa
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
2 Replies
deniseinmilden profile image
deniseinmilden

Hydroxocobalamin is more stable than methylcobalamin.

While I would question why they changed the expiration date from 90 to 30 days, I am assuming that, although sold in boxes of 10, the syringes are still packaged and sealed individually and as such I would have no problem with using them, especially if they have been stored in a cool dark place.

This doesn't mean that I am recommending that you go against the pharmacist's advice, but just saying that if care had been taken with them, it wouldn't bother me.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

What conflicting instructions.

I'm a stickler for carrying out the latest ones .

But that's being in the NHS for 36 yesrs .checking stuff with nurses .

I personally ask why the timeframe has changed as Deniseinmilden says.

Must be a reason.

It might not be as effective ?

Preservatives are in the word fir a longer shelf life

Dudnt realise you can get it like this

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Hi Again - b12 and Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) - its wasnt the Alcohol?

Hi again lovely folks, and a big thanks to those "constant" heroes in this forum; who stick around...

Genuine question ‘Declined’ by a company

My posting on their Facebook page after having send the question by email first and not receiving...

AUGH!

I have been battling for about 10 years with numerous health issues and was finally diagnosed about...

Bittersweet Bonds - Pernicious Anemia and the Doctor-Patient Dance

Not sure if this is any good but as I was hating my doctors it occurred to me how much I need them....

Am I wrong?,

My doctor is trying to make out I'm crazy. Please can people clarify if my understanding is correct...