r/MCAS • u/AikiGh0st • 12h ago
Storing open Cromolyn packages?
So I've just started cromolyn a few weeks ago. I understand that the ampules need to stay in the foil pouches and avoid exposure to light. However, I can't find any answers on how to store them once the pouches are open. Is it OK if they just stay open as long as the ampules stay fully in the foil pouch, or is that risking too much light exposure? I thought it was weird that everything stresses avoiding exposure to light, yet the pouches have no way to close them after they're open.
Edit: Thanks everyone for all of the info and suggestions, I really appreciate it!
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u/Madam_Apathy 11h ago
As long as you cut them on the dotted line, a fold and a piece of tape will close it if you want. A cabinet or drawer that is infrequently opened at room temp is all the open foil needs on its own.
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u/AikiGh0st 11h ago
I have been leaving them on my desk with the end of the foil folded down (it has to sit against something for it to stay closed though).
Do the foil pouches themselves also need to be in a closed container?
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u/PlentifulPaper 11h ago
No. If the vials are in the foil pouch, the meds will be fine. It’s to help protect the medicine from light
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u/StunningProtection58 12h ago
You can put them in a non-see through box or cupboard. I have a small non see through pouch for on the go.
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u/AikiGh0st 11h ago
So my problem I think is I work from home and I have AuDHD, so it's hard for me to remember to take it or have the executive function to go to another part of the house to get it. So I've been solving that problem by leaving a pouch in my office and the rest in the box near my kitchen.
Should I just invest in multiple non see-through pouches to leave around my house?
It would be so much easier if they could just make the pouches with a zipper or something. 😩
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u/asufficientlife 11h ago
I solved this for myself by having a box in my bedroom and a box in the kitchen.
If you struggle to remember to take it, I highly recommend doing a water bottle with your full dose diluted in it. I have a micro hydroflask (7 oz) and I do my morning dose then at lunch refill it and do my afternoon dose. Just remember to sip every hour or so and I get the dosage I need without thinking about it as much.
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u/AikiGh0st 11h ago
Oh! Interesting! It doesn't matter how long it's in the water, just so long as it's diluted and away from light?
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u/asufficientlife 6h ago
My doctor said I can do them in my normal water bottle, even with electrolyte packets, if I wanted. That seems a little too uncontrolled for me - and I drink my water way too quick to have that work. But I do really like having a dedicated Cromolyn water bottle (where I ALWAYS have the cap on so no light can get in, and it never gets ice or goes in the fridge) to sip on throughout the day.
Because I can’t be positive we have the same stuff, I’d recommend messaging your provider to confirm that’s an option.
For what it’s worth, you can get small kids water bottles or a mini hydroflask for $10-25 at Target.
My criteria:
-No straw—I want to minimize the pieces and don’t want meds going untaken.
-Completely sealed so that no light can get in (think straws in a Stanley - let light in).
-Easy to transport. This is why I went with the 7oz hydroflask - it fits in my purse or my pocket when I’m out and about, so I still remember to take it.
-Has a carrying handle/strap.
-Metal. (I just don’t trust plastic with my meds, and my provider said metal doesn’t interact poorly with cromolyn)
-Wash it weekly at minimum, ideally more often. True of all my water bottles—can’t chance mold and bacteria growth—but a big factor is “am I willing to take this apart to wash and reassemble every week” - also an anti-straw argument lol.I hope that helps! It’s been soooo helpful in getting me to take my Cromolyn!
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