Bad batch of B12

[LizWilsonpa]

Hi

I'm just adding to the posts about bad batches of B12 - there's been a couple in the last month.

I have self-injected since 2020 - originally every other day, increased to every day after having Covid in July 2021. Taking control has felt miraculous as I have been able to return to full-time work, cycling and hiking. I still find aerobic exercise knocks me back but I really feel that the knowledge I've gained through using this Forum has given me my life back.

After such a positive improvement I've had a huge return of symptoms over the last six weeks - my usual suspects are tinnitis, paresthesia, numbness in my feet and hands, and fatigue. At first I thought I'd picked up a bug - tiring easily and some breathlessness. When I didn't improve I went to the GP and blood tests didn't show up any problems (lots of tests - including folate, magnesium, ferritin, thyroid). It was getting clearer that my symptoms were very similar to when diagnosed and I couldn't understand what would cause their return. I've felt really concerned. I began to suspect it could be the batch but it just seemed so unlikely.

Then, at the end of last week I went away and I'm suddenly feeling well again. Some tingling and tinnitis remain but my energy is much better and I am not numb. On coming home I've checked and the ampoules I took are a different batch number - left over from a previous order as I keep a 'going away' bag with all I need.

I moved to Pascoe Vit B12 Depot when I couldn't get hold of Panpharma - I've been really happy with it and wondered if the larger ampoules were beneficial. However, this batch (1421) seems not to be working for me at all. I know getting away and being relaxed helps - but it seems too much of a coincidence to not relate it to the batch. The timing of the symptoms returning also seems to correlate with my last purchase.

I'm mentioning it here because it's so difficult to work out what's going on as there are so many factors affecting our health. I thought it might be helpful to mention my experience to support others who are also wondering whether it could be a faulty batch.

I don't remember reading about bad batches previously but there have been a couple this month and I wonder if there has been an increase in problems - but I don't know why that would be. There wasn't any hold up on my order - it arrived very quickly. I've ordered some Panpharma now - hoping it arrives quickly! It does put me off buying the boxes of 100 now in case this happened again.

[Nackapan]

That does sound concerning.If any of that batch left, try once more on return if feeling well perhaps now you have different ampoules to 'back up if fails to work .

So far since 2018 I've had supplies that are fine

I think they can lose potency when close to expiry date .

Brands do differ because of additives

So difficult to decipher at times .

Wd csn do without duff batches!!

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks. Unfortunately I used up the alternative B12 as I only had a few left. I'll keep using the most recent batch until the Panpharma arrives. I may have posted too soon if I continue to see improvement!

[am111]

It certainly seems like a bad batch. Due to poor storage or transportation conditions, B12 can and does lose potency (mainly heat and light). I had one kept in my car's dashboard and it got really hot in the sun and when I used it, I immediately felt symptoms returning...

[Flintfootfilly]

What is the expiry date of your current batch?

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Flintfootfilly]

June 2026. I got them in February.

[Flintfootfilly in reply to LizWilsonpa]

Oh, so plenty of time left on them, and not bought in hot weather. Strange.

I have used mainly Pascoe EOD for the last two years and not had any problem with them. I tried a ten pack of Panpharma, and they did nothing for me. Used a few and chucked the rest out . Yet I see others saying Panpharma are their favourite.

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Flintfootfilly]

Yes I have really liked the Pascoe ones until now. Good to get your feedback- I do think I’ll try them again.

[Tayu1]

I've been ordering and buying B12 vials while living and moving to different hot countries (Israel, Greece, Vietnam, Taiwan) and I feel that it's very hard to keep those vials in good condition, and I don't know if it's real or not , but so many times I get a pack, feel good then start feeling bad, get a new pack feel good again, things like that.My next stop is Korea hopefully there B12 injections are good, I go only to countries I can get OTC vials. But now I feel I should have gonto Germany and only use the known German Brands.

I feel quite bad usually.. only some good days give me hope, specially when I just started, it was winter and I ordered from Germany, when temp went up , I started feeling bad, then I realized It not good idea to ship it during summer .

Greece have it but pharmacies don't use AC always.

In Taiwan I was really optimistic, it is made here and they are very modern and strict, I really felt good at first, maybe it's just less stable solution.

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Tayu1]

Thanks - that's interesting. How do you find out that the country has B12 OTC? I may be going to New Zealand or Australia next year and I'm wondering how I'll manage.

[mcg-woo]

Hello! Really curious about your post. I purchased Pascoe 1500mcg/1ml for the very first time recently due to US shortage of Actavis hydroxo. The batch is 1421 with expiration date of 6/26.

I injected the German ampules a few weeks ago and then went back to my expired Actavis because I thought I felt a little weird but wasn’t sure? I’d be interested to hear from others whether they’re having any trouble with this particular batch? Thanks in advance!

[LizWilsonpa in reply to mcg-woo]

It's the same batch - 06/26 expiration date. It's interesting that you stopped using it. Thanks for replying.

[mcg-woo in reply to LizWilsonpa]

I just started using it again yesterday before I saw your post. I will see how I do in the next couple of weeks and let you know. I want to be sure it wasn’t something else or I was just being paranoid since I’ve never used it before. I inject weekly. Thanks!

[LizWilsonpa in reply to mcg-woo]

Hi - I've just re-posted about a GP appointment. I'm a week in to the new B12 and not having an improvement in symptoms yet so it seems less likely that it was a bad batch! It could be taking a while but it seems more likely that something else is going on. It's like trying to solve a puzzle which I thought I'd already completed!

[mcg-woo in reply to LizWilsonpa]

I’ve taken another three injections from this batch—one per week over the past three weeks and I seem to be doing fine. No return of symptoms for me so far. I did buy the batch when it was still cold outside to eliminate heat exposure. I hope you find an answer soon!

[LizWilsonpa in reply to mcg-woo]

Thanks. Good to hear you’re doing fine. I did wonder if mine got left next to the radiator on delivery! I’ve ordered more as previously it worked so well! Best wishes.

[mcg-woo in reply to LizWilsonpa]

Thanks! Keep us posted!

[phoebegrant]

Heat damage is a common concern for B12 ampules. They must be kept/stored at 25C (77F) or lower, but not in a fridge. Ordering in the colder weather is more likely to reduce the risk.

[mcg-woo in reply to phoebegrant]

But storing in top of fridge drawer won’t harm the b12 ampoules correct?

[phoebegrant in reply to mcg-woo]

I don't know what you mean by a 'fridge drawer' but storing in a fridge is generally not recommended. In the summer heat a couple of years ago, I stored my ampules in a cool box with a chiller block wrapped in a cloth.

[mcg-woo in reply to phoebegrant]

I store in the little drawer in the top of my fridge door—the part that’s not as cold as the rest of the fridge. I was concerned they’d get too warm during the winter months with the indoor heat so I just store in the fridge like I have multi-use vials. Thanks for your response!

[Enuffisenuf in reply to mcg-woo]

I store in the fridge too