Can't access Eyes Topic Board- feeling very nervous

[driedout10]

Oh brother, I am having brain fog today, I just responded to my own earlier post.
I have been trying to find out a couple of things about Restasis as I am very anxious about going on it tomorrow. I live in Canada and it is very difficult to persuade your opthamologist to fill out the paperwork to get special permission to get just a 3 months dose. I have been trying to get info from old posts but I can't access any of the Sjogrens Eyes Topics Board.
Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the Restasis to take effect? Also, can you save the leftover amount in the vial each time (in the fridge) to stretch out your medication? I read on another website that some people do this.
Thanks Erin for your kind answer to an earlier post.
Chun.

[Linda196]

The time required for Restasis to start to have an effect varies from person to person, but generally speaking if there's been no improvement in 6 months, it's probably not going to have any, or so I've been told by my optho.

The individual dose vials can be refridgerated and used a second time, and I believe some pharmacies can provide a small holder to place it in, in the fridge. It can also be placed in a small glass (shot glass type) that will hold it upright, covered and stored that way. You must be very careful not to touch let the tip of the vial (the part the drop comes out of) touch anything between doses, as any contact will cause the possibility of contamination.

Even if you find you don't need them as often, most people continue to use lubricating drops about 15 minutes before the Restasis, so that the eye isn't completely dry and that lessens any stinging the RX may cause.

[driedout10]

Thank you Linda, this is very helpful!

[lynnmarie219]

Yup, I use mine more than one time....I keep it in a little stand that came with my sample  Restasis vials from my ophthalmologist and then cover it with a small glass to keep the tip clean. I haven't had any problems with using Restasis and feel that is has helped my eyes out a lot.....I definitely use less OTC drops now.

Good luck to you when using Restasis....let us know if it works for you!