keeping thyroxine in fridge

Just been reading about Oroxine and Euroxsig.Now have to keep medication in fridge at all times.

[helvella Administrator]

That has been the case in Australia for several years.

If it is not kept in the refrigerator, it is not validated to have its claimed potency up to expiry date. The whole reason for the refrigeration was to provide an adequate storage life. Obviously the high temperatures commonly reported for Australia have their part to play. Levothyroxine deteriorates when exposed to light, heat, oxygen and humidity.

The problem is that if not sealed, it can attract condensation.

[gabkad in reply to helvella]

Don't want to hijack here: Rod, I have 100 tablets of 25 mcg liothyronine. That's 400 doses. I cut them into quarters. Should I put the bottle in the fridge? I have not opened it yet but will on Wednesday. Expiry date is June, 2016. I'm in Toronto, Canada. Our summer temps go up to 30C sometimes.

[helvella Administrator in reply to gabkad]

I really don't know. It certainly is a downside of having the medicine in pots, and especially pots that contain so many doses.

I think that I would decant some into another pot so that you are not opening and closing the original pot so many times - more humidity and oxygen can get in there each time it is opened.

Shelf lives should take into account the environment/climate of the country where they are prescribed.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

I used to always keep them in fridge,then read on package it was alright to keep under 30 degrees for a few days.I have been putting a few in draw at side of bed with a glass of water handy to take when I first wake up.Looks like I will have to start getting out of bed again.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

A few, such as the next three or four days supply, at the side of the bed are probably neither here nor there. But preferably in the dark.