Januvia (sitagliptin) has a shelf life of three years, according to data from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
To find the specific shelf life of your supply of Januvia, check the expiration date printed on the medication's packaging.
Is It Safe to Take Januvia Past Its Expiration Date?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that expired medication should never be taken.
If you think expiration dates are arbitrary and can be ignored, think again: The FDA goes on to say that drug expiration dates represent the date until which a drug is guaranteed to retain its strength, quality and purity.
After that date has passed, it may be weaker, less pure or of lower quality than it previously was.
For the person taking the drug, that means it may fail to produce adequate results. Or, if the drug has degraded or been contaminated, it may cause additional health problems.
So, you should never take Januvia that's past its expiration date, even if it still looks the same as before.
How Do I Properly Store Januvia?
To help your supply of Januvia remain safe, effective and pure for the duration of its shelf life, you can take a few simple steps to ensure its properly stored.
Merck, the manufacturer of brand-name Januvia, specifies that Januvia should be stored between 68℉ and 77℉.
The Cleveland Clinic has these additional tips to offer for proper medication storage, all of which apply to Januvia:
● Store medications in a dry area away from direct heat and light.
● Do not store medications in a damp or humid place like your bathroom medicine cabinet.
● Do not store medications in the refrigerator.
● If you store your medication outside of its original packaging (i.e. a pill organizer), label it with its dose, frequency, name and expiration date.
● If you store your medication in its original packaging, keep it tightly capped.
MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's health information service, also specifies that you should never use medication — expired or not — if it's:
● A different color, texture or smell than it previously was.
● Softer or harder than it normally is.
● Chipped or cracked.
● Sticking together.
If you have any further questions about how to properly store your supply of Januvia, consult your pharmacist for more information.