Restasis in the Fridge

[TanyaFromTexas]

Am I the only one that keeps it  in the fridge. Ive been on it over 2 years, but when I 1st started using it it would burn a bit. I have since kept it in the fridge. Its nice and cold, doesnt STING AT ALL and is actually really soothing when you put the drops in the eye. Especially in the morning!

[Patze]

Same with me Tanya, I've kept Restasis in the fridge for years now, and also my OTC eye drops.  Chilling them hasn't made it sting less when they get really dry, but it sure makes them feel good - so soothing.

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[brownskin510]

Kamie, how do you recap your restasis??

[Cheryl]

Brownskin and Lizzie,
The little snap-off tops on those one use vials will pop back on.   It took me awhile to discover that, too.  Yes, I refrigerate mine, too.   Love that cool drop!
Cheryl

[brownskin510]

Thanks, Cheryl! That's great to know becuz it is too expensive to use it, throw it away, and then have to turn around and use another vial at night

[deeindiana]

I asked my pharmacist about that and he said, "No, no, no!" He said you risk contamination using a vial more than once. Is he incorrect?
Deb

[brownskin510]

That's what I thought, too, Deb [from reading the insert], but apparently Lizzy and Kamie have been told otherwise, at least long enough to get a fulls day use [2 x day] out of one vial. I think I'm going to try it because there is an awful lot left in the vial after the a.m. use, that can certainly be used for the p.m. use

[Cheryl]

Deb,
My eye doc said to use the same vial AM and PM (refrigerating between) and then toss it.   I sometimes put it in 3 times a day just to keep from wasting it, though.
Cheryl

[TanyaFromTexas]

I get two uses out of them. I keep it in a little shot glass in my fridge. with the tip up. Been doing that for over a year.

[brownskin510]

I am sooo glad that I found this board becuz I just got my new prescription of Restasis, and this will definitely save me some money. Especially since I have 7 different meds [if you count the 2, as needed, for the spinal fluid pressure/pain around my brain from the lupus] 

[Patze]

Sometimes I can get three uses out of each vial...and you're so right Brownskin, anything to save a few!


Patze

[DryEyes]

In the FRIDGE ?      that sounds like an awesome idea.   I keep mine at room temp but the sounds of a cool drop in my eyes is inviting.   My Dr said to keep it in a small cup in the upright position.   I  use the other vials to keep the vial upright.  Just slide the tab end down inbetween some of the other vials that are still connected.  Also I place the little cap you snap off right back on the end of the vial.   This board is so full of suggestions and good ideas  ...   

[DragonflyC]

Most people here on the forum seem to have doctors who say it's fine to use a vial of preservative free drops, including Restasis, for twenty-four hours. 

Before making vials with tops that pop back on, Restasis used to provide a little blue stand so that patients could keep a vial safe for a second use; to me, that indicates that it's OK.

At the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation seminar, the two doctors who referenced Restasis both said it was fine to use one vial for two doses.

Hope that helps!

[ohiolady]

My eye doctor told me it was safe to get 3 to 4 uses out of vial.  I usually only get 3 or sometimes 2.  I put a good sized drop in my eyes. I have been on Restasis for 4 years and have never had a problem.  Thank goodness, it would too expensive for one use per vial.  This cuts down on cost tremendously.

Anna

[Dolly Dimples]

Ive' been doing this for years now, I got a little plastic box with a lid,  can use the drops three times during the day
                It's so easy to replace  the tops back on.   Never had an infection once.
                                    If I go out tho' i take a fresh one with me, which I discard after one use.

                                in summer, when we went out for the day, I bought a little cooler bag,
                                          popped in an ice pack , put drops, and my water in, the ice would last practically the whole day .
                                      no problem, Dolly