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I Had a Vial of Unopened Unreconstituted BOTOX in the Fridge and the Fridge Broke Overnight. Can It Still Be Used?

asked 8 months ago by drgiard in Sydney, 02
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 202 times
Tags: doctor

The temperature in the fridge got up to 37 degrees celsius. Also how long does a bottle of reconstituted Botox last if it is refrigerated? Does it effect it's duration of action?

8 answers to I Had a Vial of Unopened Unreconstituted BOTOX in the Fridge and the Fridge Broke Overnight. Can It Still Be Used?

+2

Is Botox ok when it's not Refrigerated?

Hi Dr. Giard. If the temperature went up to 37 C, then it's likely the product is no good. I think some of the other physicians that were commenting might have been thinking in terms of Farenheit temperatures. This is about 98 degrees farenheit. As many of the other panelists have noted, if you have a relationship with your Allergan sales rep, it's likely they would offer to replace the vial They have the ability to do this if the product has been... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

+1

Botox storage

If the Botox was subjected to 37 degrees celsius, its efficacy might have been affected. Contact the science division of Allergan and ask the manufacturer, but I would strongly recommend not to use it. Physicians should only order Botox from the manufacturer, Allergan, and no other source. Reconstituted Botox should be kept in the refrigerator and most doctors agree, that off-label, its effectiveness is not affected if it is used within two weeks, but many say even more. Experienced... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

I Had a Vial of Unopened Unreconstituted BOTOX in the Fridge and the Fridge Broke Overnight. Can It Still Be Used?

IMHO it's best for you to contact and ask your local Allergan rep. They might just exchange the Botox vial for a new one.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox

If it only went up to 37 degrees for a 12 hours period, it is unlikely to have deteriorated significantly. However, contact Allergan for the official word.
David Alessi, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Do not use this Botox from broken refrigeratpr

Botox, as well as many other medical products, require pretty strict storage requirements with monitoring, and reconstituted Botox is not indicated to last for very long. Aside from concerns about non-medical professionals having a home supply of a neurotoxin, the storage in a home refrigerator is questionable. Frequent opening of the door, as well as the addition and removal of room-temperature items can lead to temperature fluctuations beyond what is indicated (the same reason... more
Dornechia George Carter, MD

Dallas Dermatologist
+1

I would not use it.

Aside from how you got this vial, Allergan has advised physicians that this product is sensitive to environmental conditions. It is likely that the product has been degraded by these high temperatures. No one will vouch for the safetly of this product. You have written it for our advice: DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Contact Allergan directly

I would think this is ok, but for your best answer, consult Allergan. They have done many, many tests on temperatures, reconstitution, refrigeration vs freezing, etc. They will know if there will be any problems in using the vial and if there might be any effects on its durability.
F. Victor Rueckl, MD

Las Vegas Dermatologist

www.lakesdermatology.com

+1

Botox after refrigerator failure

I have two comments on your post. First, I am assuming that you are a non-physician so why do you have Botox in your refrigerator? Medical professionals store Botox and other pharmaceuticals requiring refrigeration in separate medical refrigerators. If you are not a doctor, you should not have this product, which is a toxin in your possession. Secondly, as Allergan does not sell Botox to non-medical professionals, it is altogether possible that what you have may be grey market goods,... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

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