Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to store Latanoprost eye drops. These prostaglandin analogue medicated drops help manage eye conditions such as glaucoma and high eye pressure.
While they’ve proven to be efficient, Latanoprost eye drops are very sensitive to storage conditions, and most particularly temperatures. Proper storage is key to ensuring Latanoprost effectiveness and the success of your medical treatment.
So, let's dive into how you can best handle and store your glaucoma eye drops, whether at home or traveling.
Related article: 4AllFamily Eye Drop Carrying Case: Keeping Eye Drops Cool When Traveling.
What is Latanoprost?
As said above, Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analogue used primarily to treat high eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The active ingredient works by increasing the outflow of fluids from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure and helping prevent or slow down the progression of glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss if not managed properly.
Latanoprost eye drops typically come in bottles containing 2.5 ml of solution. The usual dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, preferably in the evening.
Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Latanoprost needs to be refrigerated, but there’s more to it than just putting it in your fridge. First, refrigeration may be needed before opening but is not always necessary after opening.
First, there are various brands of latanoprost. While Xalatan is the most well-known brand, Latanoprost is also available under other names such as Xelpros, which is preservative-free, and in combination products like Xalacom and Rocklatan. Storage instructions may vary depending on the specific brand and formulation.
Related article: Should You Keep Your Eye Drops in the Fridge?
Xalatan Storage Instructions
According to Pfizer, the manufacturer of the most commonly prescribed brand of Latanoprost, Xalatan eye drops should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before opening.
After opening, Xalatan can be kept at room temperature, away from direct light, for up to 6 weeks and providing it’s never exposed to temperatures above 25°C.
Xelpros Storage Instructions
Xelpros, a benzalkonium chloride-free formulation of Latanoprost by Sun Ophtalmics, requires careful handling and storage too.
According to the manufacturer, Xelpros latanoprost eye drops should be refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C and protected from light.
The bottle can be kept at room temperature up to 40°C for a maximum of 8 days.
Other Latanoprost eye drops formulations
For other brands and formulations of latanoprost, including combinations with other eye medications, like Xalacom (Latanoprost with Timolol), always refer to the specific storage guidelines provided with the product. They may differ depending on the formulation, particularly in terms of the need for refrigeration post-opening.
Related article: Can You Bring Eye Drops on a Plane? Packing Tips for Air Travel!
Why Should Latanoprost Be Refrigerated?
Refrigeration helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of Latanoprost eye drops. The active ingredients in Latanoprost are sensitive to temperature and light, which can significantly affect the drug's chemical stability.
Exposure to heat can accelerate the degradation of many pharmaceuticals, including Latanoprost. When the medication is exposed to higher temperatures, the molecular structure of the active ingredient may begin to break down prematurely. This breakdown can lead to a decrease in the medication's effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressure, which can seriously impact your medical treatment.
Light is another factor that can degrade Latanoprost. UV light can induce photochemical reactions in many drugs, leading to the formation of byproducts that can be ineffective or potentially harmful. Therefore, apart from refrigeration, it is also advised to keep Latanoprost in an opaque container to shield it from light exposure.
What Happens if You Forget To Refrigerate Latanoprost?
Forgetting to refrigerate your Latanoprost eye drops can significantly decrease its effectiveness.
While short periods out of the fridge might not result in immediate changes, prolonged exposure to higher temperatures reduces the drug’s efficacy. This can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes and progression of glaucoma, which could ultimately affect your vision.
Proper storage of Latanoprost not only ensures its effectiveness but also contributes to the safety and success of your glaucoma treatment.
If you find that your Latanoprost eye drops have been improperly stored for an extended period, it is advisable to consult with a your doctor or pharmacist to determine if a new bottle is needed and ensure the treatment remains effective.
Related article: Is Flying With Glaucoma Safe?
How Long Is Latanoprost Good For?
How long Latanoprost is good for depends on the specific formulation, the preservatives it contains, and its storage conditions.
Before Opening / In the Fridge
Unopened bottles of Latanoprost are good until the expiration date labeled by the manufacturer on the package, assuming that they have been stored as instructed (in the fridge for Xalatan and Xelpros eye drops, and at room temperature in their unopened foil pouch for Iyuzeh).
After Opening / Out of the Fridge
Once opened, the shelf life of Latanoprost depends on the specific formulation.
For example, Xalatan eye drops are good for up to 6 weeks after opening when stored at room temperature up to 25°C.
For Xelpros Latanoprost eye drops, an opened bottle is good until the expiration date stamped on it if kept refrigerated. But if stored outside the fridge, it should be used within 8 days max.
Iyuzeh, on the other hand, comes in small single-dose containers that must be used immediately after opening. Any unused doses within the same pouch must be discarded 30 days after the pouch is first opened.
How to Keep Latanoprost Cool When Traveling?
When you're on the move or traveling, controlling your Latanoprost eye drops storage temperature is crucial, whether you're using a brand that requires refrigeration or just needs to be shielded from heat. Remember that exposure to temperatures over 25°C can significantly reduce Latanoprost’s efficacy.
Here are some practical tips and best practices to keep Latanoprost cool while traveling:
- Use a Medical-Grade Eye Drops Carrying Case. Brands like 4AllFamily offer specialized cooling cases that can maintain a safe temperature range for several days of travel. These cases often come with options for USB power or can be used with simple cold packs, making them versatile for various travel scenarios.
- Keep Latanoprost in the Shade. Always store your eye drops out of direct sunlight. Even brief exposure to sunlight can increase the temperature of your eye drops above the safe threshold of 25°C, risking degradation of the active ingredients.
- Minimize Handling: Try to handle the medication as little as possible. Since Latanoprost is typically administered at night, plan to keep it stored in a cool place at home or in your hotel room while you’re away. If you won’t return to your accommodation until after your usual dosing time, take the cooling case with you but avoid opening it until needed.
And remember, traveling with temperature-sensitive medications like Latanoprost requires to always plan ahead and consider the length of your journey and the storage facilities available at your destination to choose the best cooling solution to keep your eye drops safe and effective!
Related article: Can You Bring Eye Drops on a Plane? Packing Tips for Air Travel!
FAQs About Latanoprost Eye Drops Storage
Can Latanoprost Go Bad?
Yes, if not stored correctly, Latanoprost can go bad. If the solution becomes discoloured, cloudy, or contains particles, it should not be used. Discard the bottle and take a fresh one from the refrigerator.
What if Latanoprost Eye Drops Change Color?
If Latanoprost eye drops change color, they should be discarded as this is probably a sign of contamination or degradation. Do not use the bottle and ask for your doctor or pharmacist’s advice.
Can You Freeze Latanoprost?
Like most medications, Latanoprost should not be frozen. Freezing can damage the formulation and render it ineffective. To prevent accidental freezing, do not store Latanoprost near the freezer compartment of your fridge. In extreme cold climates, keep the bottle in an inside jacket or in an insulated travel case.
How Should Latanoprost Be Transported?
Latanoprost should be transported in conditions that adhere to its storage requirements. For example, if traveling, keep it in a cooling case or insulated bag to maintain temperatures within its safe range, especially if the ambient temperature may rise above 25°C.
Can I Use Latanoprost After the Expiry Date?
Using Latanoprost after the expiry date is not recommended. Expired medications may not be as effective or safe. Always check the expiry date before use and replace the bottle if it has expired.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
We welcome your comments and questions below! If you have any personal tips or experiences related to storing Latanoprost, please share them with us. Your insights could help others too!
