My daughter gives me my B12 shots at home. I used to open a bottle use it for that time and again three weeks later than throw the bottle and start a new one next time. My insurance has decided that since a bottle has 10 doses I should use it for 10 times before obtaining a new bottle. What is the shelf life of an opened bottle? My anemia is getting much worse. Could this be the reason?
How long can a bottle of cyanocobalam safely be used from after opening?
Question posted by mablanc on 3 Nov 2009
Last updated on 6 January 2010
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Answers
suzanne66
18 Nov 2009
Are you using the 10ml multivial?
As long as you follow the advised storage instructions ie. store at 20°-25°C and protect from light, and the vial is still in date ie. it has not passed the expiry date which will be on the vial somewhere, then it is fine to use.
You could ask for the 1ml single dose vials.
Linkyork
6 Jan 2010
I have been getting injections of B-12 for pernicious anemia for at least 10 years. For a long time I was getting the 10 ml multivial and paying my $5.oo deductible. Then insurance made me go to the single injection vial paying for only 3 at a time. It was extremely difficult to get the B-12 out of the small vial and with my arthritis, I dropped it more times than not. Finally, one month the pharmacist ask me why I went through the insurance company when a 30 ml bottle was just over $5.. Boy did that help. The vial is so much easier to use and I toss the extra when it is time for a new doctors appointment so that he can monitor my illness. I get 1 1/2 ml per month but by the end of the third week, I am beginning to go down hill before the month is up I am so weak, I have difficulty moving.
Related topics
Further information
- Cyanocobalamin uses and safety info
- Cyanocobalamin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Cyanocobalamin (detailed)
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