Latanoprost eye drops are extremely sensitive, especially to temperature. Therefore, correct storage is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of the latanoprost active ingredient and thus ensure successful treatment.
Whether in the refrigerator or at room temperature, we have put together the most important information on the correct storage of Latanoprost eye drops in this guide. The drops are based on prostaglandin analogues and are used to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure.
What is Latanoprost?
As mentioned above, Latanoprost eye drops are based on prostaglandin analogues . They are mainly used in the treatment of patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension to reduce the pressure in the eye . The active ingredient in the eye drops, Latanoprost, causes increased drainage of fluid in the eye. This reduces the pressure inside the eye and can slow or prevent the formation of glaucoma. If glaucoma is not treated properly, it can lead to loss of vision.
Latanoprost eye drops are usually available in bottles containing 2.5 ml of solution. Usually, one drop should be put into the affected eye once a day, preferably in the evening.
Similar article: Cooling bags for eye drops: How can I keep my eye drops cool when traveling?
Storage: does Latanoprost have to be kept in the refrigerator?
Latanoprost needs to be kept refrigerated , but there's more to it than just putting it in the fridge.
Latanoprost eye drops are available in different brands. Xalatan is one of the best known brands, but there are others such as the preservative-free variant Monoprost . There are also combination products such as Xalacom or Roclanda . Depending on the brand or ingredients, storage instructions may vary.
Related article: Eye Drop Storage: Do Your Eye Drops Really Need to Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
Xalatan eye drops storage
According to the manufacturer Pfizer , whose brand is the most common in Germany, Xalatan eye drops should be stored unopened in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Once the bottle is opened, it can be stored at room temperature up to 25°C for 6 weeks . It is recommended to store Xalatan in its original packaging and under no circumstances should it be exposed to direct light.
Monoprost eye drops: storage instructions
Monoprost from Laboratoires Théa is a preservative-free variant of latanoprost. This formulation is particularly suitable for people with very sensitive eyes or patients who are sensitive to the side effects of preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is contained in Xalatan.
Just like Xalatan, Monoprost eye drops should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before first use .
Once opened, the individual containers can be stored at a maximum temperature of 25°C . However, they should be used within 24 hours . As with Xalatan, the drops must not be exposed to direct light.
Roclanda storage
Roclanda is a combination medication containing the active ingredients latanoprost and netarsudil. It is also prescribed to treat glaucoma or high pressure in the eye.
Before opening , Roclanda should be stored at a room temperature between 15°C and 25°C, but under no circumstances should it be exposed to direct light. It is recommended to leave the eye drops in the original packaging as this is designed to keep the medication stable.
Once opened, Roclanda eye drops can normally be stored at room temperature. In any case, be sure to read the package leaflet to find out exactly what to do; in some cases, refrigeration is explicitly recommended.
Other latanoprost eye drop formulations
Other brands and formulations of latanoprost, such as Xalacom (latanoprost with timolol), may have different storage conditions . It is important to always read the package insert carefully to ensure that the product is stored correctly and is safe for use.
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Why does Latanoprost need to be kept in the refrigerator?
The active ingredient latanoprost in the eye drops is extremely sensitive to light and temperature . Therefore, it is important to store the medication in the refrigerator and away from light , otherwise the chemical stability of the drops can no longer be guaranteed .
Exposure to heat degrades many pharmaceutical substances, including latanoprost, and can cause the molecular structure of the active ingredient to break down prematurely . This breakdown reduces the effectiveness of the medication and thus seriously compromises the treatment of increased intraocular pressure .
Light is also a factor that can have a negative effect on Latanoprost. UV rays can cause photochemical reactions in many medications, leading to the formation of byproducts. This can make your Latanoprost eye drops either ineffective or even harmful.
What happens if you forget to refrigerate Latanoprost?
It can happen to anyone that they leave their Latanoprost eye drops somewhere where the storage conditions are not optimal.
Short periods out of the refrigerator may not cause immediate change. However, prolonged exposure to direct light or higher temperatures may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. This may negatively affect treatment results and may even lead to worsening of glaucoma , which could affect your vision.
Not only for the effectiveness of the medication, but also for your own safety during glaucoma treatment, it is important to store Latanoprost eye drops properly.
If you are unsure whether your drops are still good or not after being exposed to light or higher temperatures for a long period of time, it is always advisable to ask a doctor or pharmacist if you need a new bottle and if the treatment is still effective.
Latanoprost eye drops shelf life
The shelf life of latanoprost may vary depending on the formulation, preservatives contained and of course the storage conditions.
Storage in the refrigerator As long as the vials are not opened, they are stable until the expiry date stated on the pack, provided they have been stored under the indicated storage conditions.
Storage after opening
Once opened, the shelf life of Latanoprost varies depending on the formulation. Xalatan eye drops, for example, have a shelf life of 6 weeks after first opening as long as they are stored at a maximum of 25°C. Monoprost eye drops, on the other hand, must be used within 24 hours of opening .
Cooling Latanoprost when traveling
If you areon the move or travelling , it is very important that you store your Latanoprost eye drops carefully . It does not matter whether you use a brand that needs to be refrigerated or one that only needs to be protected from heat . In general, temperatures above 25°C will damage the medication and reduce its effectiveness.
We have put together some tips to help you make your trip with Latanoprost a relaxed and safe one:
- Use a medical cooler bag for eye drops . Various brands like 4AllFamily make special cooling containers for medication that can maintain a stable temperature for several days. They are easily powered by cooling elements or a USB connection, making them perfect for any type of trip.
- Make sure that you always store Latanoprost in the shade . Even if you only briefly expose your eye drops to temperatures above 25°C, the safety and effectiveness of the medication can no longer be guaranteed.
- Latanoprost is usually used in the evening, so it should be relatively easy to leave the eye drops at home or in your hotel room. Only if you are not back at the prescribed time of application is it advisable to transport them in a medical cooler bag. The less you touch and handle the medication, the better and safer.
It is always worth planning a trip with temperature-sensitive medications such as Latanoprost carefully and precisely to avoid any difficulties along the way. When choosing your medical cooler bag, it is also important to consider the length and storage options at your destination .
FAQs on storing Latanoprost eye drops
Can Latanoprost go bad?
Latanoprost can go bad if it is stored incorrectly. If the solution changes color, loses color, or particles form, it should not be used.
What to do if Latanoprost eye drops change color?
If you notice that your Latanoprost eye drops have changed color, you should throw them away immediately. A change in color is usually a sign of deterioration or contamination , both of which make the medication unsafe.
Can you freeze Latanoprost?
Just like excessive heating, freezing Latanoprost can have negative consequences. Freezing can damage the formulation and thus reduce its effectiveness. To avoid accidentally freezing your Latanoprost, you should store it in the refrigerator away from the freezer . In cold temperatures, it is sufficient to store the bottle in a jacket pocket or insulated travel bag.
How should Latanoprost be transported?
Latanoprost should be transported in such a way that it is kept at a stable ambient temperature at all times. This means that when you are travelling, store it in an eye drop cooler or an insulated travel medicine cooler bag so that the temperature does not rise above 25°C.
Similar article: Eye drops on the plane: Important tips for liquid medications in hand luggage.
Latanoprost shelf life exceeded?
Using Latanoprost after the expiration date is not recommended . The likelihood that it is no longer safe or effective is very high. Always check the expiration date before each use and use a new bottle if the old one has expired.
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