Greetings All,
Since beginning Xiidra, I've been seeking the experiences of others (in my rare spare time). In another thread on this forum, I see that some may be refrigerating open vials of Xiidra for re-use (a common use of Restasis, I understand).
Organic chemistry is complicated, and since Xiidra is a LFA1-antagonist and works directly on the immune-related dysfunction of dry eye, it is more biological in nature than Restasis. I could see that a medication like Restasis could be refrigerated and remaining portions re-used (steroids are fairly stable chemical compounds), but I am uncertain that Xiidra might retain efficacy at the temperature of a refrigerator (much lower than the 58-degree minimum storage temperature). The storage recommendations were the first thing I noticed when I opened the package, because the range is rather small (also notable, the recommendation to keep the vials away from light).
I'm having difficulty getting three drops out of one vial of Xiidra, and perhaps that was meant to prevent folks from re-using the vials because of the fragile nature of their storage temp, rather than making more $$ per drop?
Thoughts and experience on this issue greatly appreciated.
Blessings, All.
That's an interesting question. My doctor warned me to keep the vials out of the light but suggested I could try to get 2 doses out of each vial. I'm only successful about half the time. I put the open vial back in the foil package and stand the package up in my cabinet drawer. When I use it again, I can't always get two drops to travel back to the tip.
It still stings after storage :) but that doesn't mean it has its original strength.
hi there.
I formerly used Restasis and yes I saved the left over drops in the frig once opened.
Restasis never helped me. I now use Xiidra for almost 1 year...very good results.
I open the vial and get one drop in each eye and then put the vial standing up in its
foil pouch in my vanity drawer...I have enough to put my nighttime dose of one drop
in each eye...only time I didn't is when I missed my eye.
Of course I wash my hands before handling the vials.
shelly
I do not try to get 2 doses out of a vial. I was advised against this.
I am also getting very good results. Not only do my eyes feel better my doctor is seeing much fewer scratches on my cornea.
One drop in each eye, then throw the remainder away (as recommended). Xiidra has made a big difference for me...Restasis did not.