I use Hevert hydroxo 2ml and like many of you have been worried about storage during the last few days.
I read the packet info sheet (and checked their website in German) and the only usage/storage instruction is not to exceed the use by date.
There isn’t any mention of maximimum storage temperature or to protect from light - but the ampoules are amber glass and this is used for its protection from UV light. As with food items and oils that are likely to degrade. Nevertheless I still keep them in a dark cupboard, as most of you do, no doubt
There is one mention of possible loss of effectiveness regarding mixing with other medicines - as it says due to the instability of b12 - but there are no known interactions.
I also have a leaflet from a pack of Zentiva cyano and that doesn’t mention storage temperature either.
That has reassured me. I can’t imagine that the German manufacturer would overlook it by mistake. Hope that helps.
Written by
MorningMist
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Maybe it depends what additives different manufacturers put in their b12. The Hevert and Zentiva I’ve used both have preservatives in which could make them less sensitive to heat I suppose.
The Panpharma ones list max 25C on the box, no minimum, and the Actavis hydroxy in the US says store at 20-25C but it has very different preservatives than the german ones. I agree with your theory about preservatives.
I tried to read the packet leaflet in my panpharma but sadly I didn't cover German in my underwhelming education so didn't get far.
I also was not aware of a strict need to store at a particular temperature but keep them in my pantry which is usually very cool. However, yesterday morning I went to the pantry and felt like I was walking into a steam room. So I did worry too since I put my panpharma in the fridge for a few hours but then wasn't confident they wouldn't freeze overnight in the cold fridge so they went back in the pantry to near-boil overnight
Store drug out of reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton nacti "Use by". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Storage conditions:
Keep the ampoules in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Note on shelf life after opening or preparation:
VITAMIN B12 Depot Panpharma is intended for immediate use after opening the ampoules! Any residue left in the ampoule must be discarded! Due to the instability of vitamin B12, a loss of effectiveness of the vitamin can occur if other medicinal substances are added. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. This measure helps to protect the environment.
Obviously big pharma cannot control products storage after distribution. However they will state if products require refrigeration (as against storing at room temperature) as well as stating shelf life. Dry packs such as tablets, powders often have 5 year shelf life, while reasonably stable wet packs such as ampoules, syrups etc usually have a max of 2 years or less.
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