Glaucoma: Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve becomes damaged due to high pressure inside of an eye. The leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old is generally glaucoma. Glaucoma can be controlled with glaucoma medications like eye drops.

Latanoprost glaucoma drops are medication that treats high pressure inside the gaze due to glaucoma or other diseases like ocular hypertension. It works by regulating the fluid flow within your eyes, which helps prevent blindness and any further eye damage.

Latanoprost is a prescription medication that can help reduce the intraocular pressure inside your eyes. Latanoprost effectively lowers (IOP) Intraocular Pressure both during the day and at night. The reduction in eye vessel size caused by latano-progesterone may be explainable through increased uveoscleral outflow.

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Latanoprost (Xalatan) Storage Instructions

When you have glaucoma, your optic nerve can be damaged and it may cause blurred vision or even blindness.

To treat glaucoma there are different classes and brands of eye drops that can help prevent further damage and primary open-angle glaucoma.

Related article: Why You Should Take Latanoprost at Night?

Prostaglandin Analogues

Prevent glaucoma progression using prostaglandin analogues. They are a class of medications that work by increasing the outflow from your eye. Latanoprost is an example of this category. These drugs need refrigeration for a long time use.

Timolol (Beta-Blockers)

These medications work by decreasing the production of fluid. An example of beta-blockers is Timolol. Timolol is a drug that can be prescribed for both eyes. The preservative-free formulation of this medication does not carry any risks, but it should still be used carefully so as to avoid side effects on your tear drainage system. The best way to store beta-blockers is in a refrigerator.

Alpha Agonists

The alpha agonists like Alphaganand Iopidine work to both decrease production of fluid from your tear film as well increase drainage. These prescription eye drops work well without refrigeration.

CAI (Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors)

CAI's are a class of medications that work to reduce eye pressure by decreasing the production of intraocular fluid. There is currently one generic form available, though there are also pills and eye drops for those with more severe conditions who need them. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitors need to be refrigerated.

Rho Kinase Inhibitors

Rho Kinase inhibitors are a new class of glaucoma drugs that increases the drainage from your eyes. These were made available in April 2018 and have been proven to be effective thus far.

The most important thing to remember about Rho Kinase Inhibitors (Rocklatan) is that they should be refrigerated, so you can enjoy their benefits without any damage.

Keeping your eye drops in the fridge will keep them from spoiling. The cold temperature slows down chemical processes that cause evaporation, which also helps with preserving medicine and making it last longer.

Unopened Latanoprost (Xalatan) Needs to Be Refrigerated

To help the latanoprost ophthalmic solution last longer, protect it from direct light, and store an unopened bottle under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36 °F) to prevent it from freezing and losing its effectiveness. Once opened for use then you can store them in a refrigerator or they can be stored at room temperature up to 25 degrees Celsius or 77 Fahrenheit for no longer than 6 weeks.

Does Latanoprost Need to Be Refrigerated?

Some of you may wonder where you store Latanoprost best. It's important to keep Latanoprost eye drops in your fridge where it can maintain the temperature at 2° to 8°C (36 °F). Make sure it is out of reach from children.

Extra Precautions to Take

Latanoprost can be safely stored in your refrigerator if you take these precautions.  The drug should not exceed the 86 degree Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) or 5% humidity level, which means it's best left at room temperature for no more than 10 hours before placing back in an airtight container in a cool place to preserve its effectiveness and freshness - just like most drugs that need refrigeration.

It’s important to know the proper temperature for storing your medications. The wrong one can be dangerous and cause your medication to expire, so make sure you check the expiration date before using it.

There are many drugs that require refrigeration. These include many common prescription medications, such as insulin, Ozempic, or Mounjaro injections for diabetes patients, as well as numerous growth hormone injections and treatments for arthritis. 

Can Latanoprost Be Stored at Room Temperature?

Latanoprost is stable at room temperature and can last up to 6 weeks when stored at room temperature under 25°C (77 °F). Latanoprost is a potent drug that should be handled with care, as it can cause skin irritation when not stored well.

It also has a limited shelf life and must remain at controlled temperatures or else will degrade quickly over time into an ineffective form.

Latanoprost (Xalatan) Expiration After Opening

Latanoprost is a drug that must be used within 28 days to 6 weeks of opening the bottle. These timings can be different per country. Make sure you check with your pharmacy. After this time, it may no longer offer beneficial effects and should not remain in your system for more than 3 months at most.

Latanoprost is found in most eye medications, but the expiration date is printed on every prescription bottle.

What Happens if Latanoprost Is Not Refrigerated?

Latanoprost should be refrigerated. If it isn't, then the drug may not work properly and could even cause a serious adverse event reaction in your eye. If Latanoprost eye drops are not refrigerated, instead of lowering intraocular pressure, it can cause dangerously high eye pressure.

How to Tell if Latanoprost Has Gone Bad?

Latanoprost should be stored at room temperature and away from heat or direct light. If you notice an unusual smell, a warm bottle when dispensing the drops onto your eyes may mean that it has gone bad. Please dispose of it immediately in a proper way.

Related article: Is Flying With Glaucoma Safe?

Keeping Eye Drops Cool While Traveling

Medication safety is a top priority when traveling by air, land, or sea. This can be hard for those who rely on medications to manage their chronic conditions like asthma, glaucoma, and diabetes because they need regular doses throughout the day in order to stay healthy while away from home - but it doesn't always work out that way!

Keeping eye drops cool and safe while traveling is important to prevent any adverse reactions. To do this, place a bottle of your eye drops solution in an Eye Drop Carrying Case by All4Family before your trip so it's ready when you need it.  

4AllFamily Eye Drop carrying cases are perfect for keeping your eyes safe when you're on the go.

Conclusion

Latanoprost should be refrigerated. If it isn't, then the drug may not work properly and could even cause a serious adverse event reaction in your eye. If Latanoprost eye drops are not refrigerated, instead of lowering intraocular pressure, it can cause dangerously high eye pressure.

Remember to keep your eye drops cool while traveling by using a carrying case and ice pack. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Related article: Can Diabetes Cause Glaucoma and Other Eye Conditions?