Storing Thyroid meds - To freeze or not to freeze?

[sheenah]

hello All again!

Just looking for clarification from the experts! Is it best to keep thyroid meds in the fridge and can you freeze them? How long will they keep effective after their use by date?

Love to All

Sheena

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

No. Store them in their original packaging, unopened, in a cool dark place, not in a fridge or freezer. I keep my "stock" in a Lock and Lock box with those little dessicant packs that come in some supplements, in a wall cupboard against an outside wall so it's probably the coolest cupboard in my kitchen (that end of the kitchen isn't anywhere near any appliances so doesn't get warm anyway). I'm using up the last of some old stock of Unipharma T3 which has an expiry date of January 2019 and it hasn't lost it's potency.

[sheenah in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie,I have a large "stock" of 2000 Thyroid -S (2 bottles) with an expiry date of April 21 which have been in stored at the top of my fridge - top as least cold part of the fridge. They are still in their cardboard and cellophane wrappings - thinking about giving them a try, especially now that I have heard rumours that they have come down in price and are easier to obtain.

Thanks for your words of wisdom!

Sheena

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to sheenah]

I would keep them sealed until you need them.

[sheenah in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie,Yes, they have never been opened.

Sheena

[jimh111]

I would not freeze them, any natural moisture in the tablet may cause problems. I keep mine in the refridgerator as it's a cool dry place. The manufacturers usually suggest keeping them at e.g. 15 C but I suspect that is the temperature they test them at. If they are in bubble packs there shouldn't be a problem but if loose in a box it might be an idea to keep and open them in a cool place. I suspect the major consideration is too keep them away from warm (> 20 C?) or humid environments.

[sheenah in reply to jimh111]

Thanks Jim,Logic told me that if they were maintained at the same temperature, a consistent 4C, they would not be affected by changes in the ambient temperature. Also, being a natural product it seemed sensible to keep them cool.

Many Thanks

Sheena

[jimh111 in reply to sheenah]

"being a natural product" - if it's NDT and not in bubble packs make sure they are well away from the drainage part of the 'fridge. The egg trays in the door are a good spot, high up and not too cool.

[sheenah in reply to jimh111]

Thanks Jim,I keep them on the top shelf!

Sheena X

[humanbean]

In the early years of me buying my own thyroid hormones I kept the unopened bottles and packets in my freezer. Then the freezer failed. We had it repaired (bad move - it would have been cheaper to buy a new one) but the repair didn't last long. Since my thyroid stuff had been frozen then defrosted then frozen again more than once I ended up having to dispose of them all.

Nowadays I keep all my thyroid stuff in a dark cupboard. I would never use a fridge or freezer again.

[jimh111]

This document gives general advice on storing medicines google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q... . As you can see using the freezer is not recommended.

[sheenah in reply to jimh111]

Hi JimCan't get to the web page!

[jimh111 in reply to sheenah]

You can, but I forgot to say it is a pdf download….. so you probably have a few copies in your download folder!