Autologous Serum Drops - Expiration Date

[PotatoCakes]

I met with my new specialist today (SO much better than my former, who is clearly all reputation but not as much talent as he believes) and learned something new. My current corneal specialist is at a research institute. We talked about my serum drops and I mentioned that last time I went in, they suggested that I get 15 vials of blood drawn instead of 10 so I wouldn't have to come in as often. The more water I drink in the 2-3 days preceding, the more serum I've been getting so 10 vials = 12-13 bottles of 50% serum drops.
They told me that drops much over the 3 month mark (kept in the freezer until opened), drops seem to lose their efficacy. They've been documenting their patients and the results and apparently, the drop is dramatic. Patients with drops that are much older than 3 months come to the office with little to no improvement and in some cases have backtracked. Good information to know since 15 vials of blood could easily net me 18+ weeks (4+ months) of drops. Blood draws every 10-12 weeks are more inconvenient but obviously that inconvenience is buying me something pretty valuable.

He also told me that once opened, drops should be used within 7-9 days, for the same reason. They aren't spoiled so much as they are not effective.

The place where I get my drops put a longer expiration date, both for opened and frozen drops, so I was glad to learn this new information so I can be sure to keep my drops effective!

[Hopeful2]

There seem to be a lot of different protocols out there for producing the serum as well as for how long to keep it. My hospital draws a 500cc bag (as for blood donation). I got about 50 vials (3ml at 100% serum). I would expect that it would still be effective after four or five months. I am using the serum almost exclusively now and feel that it is helping with the severity of my symptoms.

It would be really good if we could have an expert's opinion on the best use of autoglous serum drops.

[PotatoCakes]

My current specialist is a reseacher / corneal specialist at a research hospital where they've done a lot of the research and testing of serum; the hospital was involved in over 8 years of development and research in serum drops and their use, prior to it's current "mainstream" use.
My former specialist was also involved in the research (he's since left the research hospital) but his ego didn't allow him to explain anything, he just orders his patients to do what he tells them.

I'd imagine that 100% serum may lose its effectiveness less quickly than 50% or 20% since it's not diluted but it probably wouldn't hurt to track (through your doctor & stain tests) how well it works for you, particularly after you get towards those later months.

[Trac]

Wow, this is very interesting. My serum that is in the freezer should have expired in mid July and each vial is only supposed to last a week. I use each vial for 2 or 3 weeks. I have noticed that for the last month or so that my serum does not seem to help as much as it use to. But at $500 a pop I want to make it last as long as possible. Perhaps this is false economy on my part.

[Guest]

It's been a while since I've read up on this, but prior to starting serum drops myself (started around March 2010), I read every study abstract I could get my hands on (ex. on PubMed etc.) Anyhow, if I recall correctly, some of the components in the serum that are thought to be beneficial start to break down in as little as a day... others are less delicate and remain intact for as long as month. The conclusion I came to after all my reading was that it's probably best to get the serum drops in the smallest vials possible (so that you don't use the same thawed vial for too long... ex. a 3 ml vial that is used up in a few days is perhaps better than a 10ml vial that lasts you a couple of weeks) That way, the breakdown in the beneficial components is minimized during use. Theoretically, the serum drops will be more effective the fresher they are...

For what it's worth, I get mine in a 3ml size at 100% potency. Hopefully in a few years there will be better information out there on this so we'll know for sure if what we're doing is optimal!

Wow, this is very interesting. My serum that is in the freezer should have expired in mid July and each vial is only supposed to last a week. I use each vial for 2 or 3 weeks. I have noticed that for the last month or so that my serum does not seem to help as much as it use to. But at $500 a pop I want to make it last as long as possible. Perhaps this is false economy on my part.

It might be worth trying to stick with "fresher" drops for a few months as an experiment to see if it makes a difference... you never know! And if the "fresher" drops make no difference for you, at least you won't be wondering about it anymore!

[Pinky]

@SAAG
Have you tried platelet rich plasma drops? I'm in Vancouver BC, and am currently trying to get Life Labs and a compounding pharmacy to formulate the drops.

[Hopeful2]

I have heard a little bit about platelet rich plas,a drops. I am curious to learn more. Would you happen to have any references providing protocols and results when used for the treamment of dry eye?

Thank you everyone for all the informative posts on serum drops. I think next time I will ask them to draw less blood and just go more often. I do believe my serum drops have helped.

[Pinky]

@bella_girl,
I don't know much more than what is on this site - search platelet rich plasma.

I'm still trying to figure out how the formulation is made once the platelets have been extracted.

According to a cosmetic doctor I consulted who uses PRP - it needs to be activated prior to use and has only about 15~20 minutes of window of opportunity to be used. It will completely gel up after 20 minutes (ie. After 20 minutes, it is solid). Also, PRP contains living cell fragments (called platelets). According to clinical research, extracted platelets are only stable for several hours. It will be rendered ineffective after many hours.

So, I am confused as to how it is prepared to be useful in eye drop form.

If anyone has any additional info it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[PotatoCakes]

Here's some info on a study of PRP drops:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17598582
Interestingly, it shows that 1 patient out of the group developed an intolerance.

More info that compares serum with PRP, dated 2011:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21740369

Healing dormant corneal ulcers, dated 2007:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17324465

A list of more PRP resources (I didn't read them all):
http://www.bti-implant.es/actuality/.../International

"Researchers Question Value of Blood Therapy" (re: Sports injuries but and easy read):
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/health/13tendon.html

Cosmetic purposes (sales pitch, NOT a study):
http://www.springdale.co.nz/We+Treat...a+Therapy.html

My acupuncturist has a partner who is using PRP for orthopedic healing. Based on the NYTimes article, that and cosmetic uses may be only marginally effective. The studies look like it may show some real promise for eyes though, particularly with things like erosions and dry eye induced by damage (Lasik, etc)

[PotatoCakes]

This looks like a interesting article (PRP gel mixed with Systane)
http://www.devonschuyler.com/PDFs/ET...umplatelet.pdf

[Guest]

@SAAG
Have you tried platelet rich plasma drops? I'm in Vancouver BC, and am currently trying to get Life Labs and a compounding pharmacy to formulate the drops.

No, I've never tried them... I'm intrigued though.

[Pinky]

@PotatoCakes
Thanks so much for the links. I've read all the articles and am currently in communication with several doctors who use PRP therapy. When I know more, I'll report my findings to the group.