restasis, one vessel, two-time use

[hasan]

My doctor told me yesterday i can use one vessel for the whole day, which means two times.

Any of you guys does the same?

H

[lboogie]

Yup! In fact, I can usually get more than that -- doc says it's fine so long as I keep it clean -- I put mine in the fridge -- no stinging that way.

[Jen72]

Ditto. My dr told me to store it in the fridge with a sterile cover over it. I use a shot glass and put press and seal over it. I can usually get three doses from one vial. We call it liquid gold because it is so expensive.

[kitty]

When I used it, I got two doses out of one vial, one vial per day. I must caution you that Restasis should not be stored in the Fridge.

http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/restasis_pi.pdf
"Storage: Store RESTASIS® ophthalmic emulsion at 15° to 25° C (59°-77° F)".

[shells]

I also use the same vial twice, and was told by more than one doc that it was OK to do so. I was actually pleased to find that my latest tray of Restasis has redesigned vials. They now have the tops that can be re-sealed. The vials look exactly like vials of Refresh Celluvisc that I also use. Now I just put the top back on the vial, set it on my night stand after using, and then use it again in the morning before I throw it out.

[hasan]

That's what i did today. I put the cap back. I didn't even notice that before the cap could be put back. that must have been redesigned. So, really save some money.

My doc also put me on Azasite. She said Azasite is to open the glands again. Azasite is even more expensive than Restasis. *******. How much money do i have to pay for eyes every day, 20 bucks???!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?$%^&*()

I also use the same vial twice, and was told by more than one doc that it was OK to do so. I was actually pleased to find that my latest tray of Restasis has redesigned vials. They now have the tops that can be re-sealed. The vials look exactly like vials of Refresh Celluvisc that I also use. Now I just put the top back on the vial, set it on my night stand after using, and then use it again in the morning before I throw it out.

[Teri]

I have a little blue plastic thing (that says "allergan" on it) that one of the docs gave me. It holds the restasis vials upright.

I get four doses of restasis from each vial (one drop in each eye, twice a day, for two days). So a 30-vial tray lasts me 2 months.

As for the expense...I try not to think about how much I've spent on dry eye treatments. One reason I wanted surgery was so that I did not the expense of multiple pairs of prescription glasses any more. Ha!

[kurt]

I must caution you that Restasis should not be stored in the Fridge.

http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/restasis_pi.pdf
"Storage: Store RESTASIS® ophthalmic emulsion at 15° to 25° C (59°-77° F)

That no doubt refers to unopened vials. I have been storing opened vials in the refrigerator (never longer than 24 hours) .

[kitty]

That no doubt refers to unopened vials. I have been storing opened vials in the refrigerator (never longer than 24 hours) .

It has nothing to do with whether or not the vials have been opened. I wrote Allergan some time back about this issue, and posted the response here at DEZ.

http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/archi...hp?t-1853.html
"kitty
22-Sep-2006, 15:46
This is the response I got from Allergan when I asked why it was recommended that Restasis be stored at room temperature. I asked if refrigeration had any impact on the stability of the product:
__________________________________________________ __________
Thank you for your interest in ALLERGAN and RESTASIS® (cyclosporine
ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% Sterile, Preservative-Free. RESTASIS®
ophthalmic emulsion is indicated to increase tear production in patients
whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular
inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased tear
production was not seen in patients currently taking topical
anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs.

You had an inquiry regarding the storage and stability of this product.
As stated in the package insert, the product is stable (effective and
safe to use) until the expiration date listed on the product container
when stored at room temperature between 15º-25ºC (59-77ºF).

All of our products must also pass stability testing at 30ºC (86ºF) for
one year and 40ºC (104ºF) for 6 months. Finally, all products must
remain stable after 3 freeze-thaw cycles. If a product does not pass all
of these specifications, a statement in the package insert will note the
specific limitation of that product.

If we can be of further assistance to you, please feel free to contact
us at (800) 433-8871.

Sincerely,

Medical Information Services
Medical Affairs
Allergan, Inc.
Irvine, CA"