How to Store Metformin, Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta
[Storage · Metformin, Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta]

How to store metformin, Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta

Quoted from the US label · Unopened vs in use · Travel · Sources · Reviewed

Short answer: All four labels say store at 68-77°F (20-25°C). Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta allow excursions to 59-86°F (15-30°C); the generic metformin label used here states no excursion range and says to dispense it in light-resistant containers. None gives a fridge instruction. Sources: each label, section 16, and the patient leaflets.

What do the four labels say?

Metformin is the usual first tablet for type 2 diabetes. Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin) are DPP-4 inhibitors, and Janumet combines sitagliptin with metformin. Metformin is sold by many makers; this page uses the current Zydus metformin tablet label, and others carry their own.

Metformin (Zydus), Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta US prescribing information, section 16, and patient leaflets.
ProductSection 16Patient leafletOther
Metformin hydrochloride tablets (Zydus)20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions not stated20-25°C (68-77°F)Dispense in light-resistant containers
Januvia20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions 15-30°C (59-86°F)Room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C)Includes unit-of-use blister calendar packages of 30
Janumet20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions 15-30°C (59-86°F)Room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C)Unit-of-use bottles of 60 or 180
Tradjenta20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions 15-30°C (59-86°F)Room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C)If repackaged, dispense in a tight container

Metformin section 16.2: “Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in light-resistant containers.” Keeping it in the pharmacy bottle covers both.

Dosing and comparisons

Dosing: metformin, Januvia, Janumet and Tradjenta. Missed a dose: metformin, Januvia, Janumet, Tradjenta. Comparisons: Januvia vs Janumet, Januvia vs Tradjenta and metformin vs Jardiance.

How do you travel with them?

No ice pack is needed. Keep tablets in the labeled bottle or blister pack in your carry-on, within the label range, and out of a hot car. For metformin, the label gives 68-77°F (20-25°C) without an excursion range, so avoid long spells outside it.

Quoted from the current US label on DailyMed, not personalized advice. Labels change; the leaflet in your own carton, your pharmacist and your prescriber are the final word on how to store it.

Frequently asked questions

Does metformin need to be refrigerated?+
The label gives no fridge instruction. The Zydus label says store at 68-77°F (20-25°C) and dispense in light-resistant containers.
How should Januvia be stored?+
At 68-77°F (20-25°C), with excursions allowed to 59-86°F (15-30°C), per section 16 and the Medication Guide.
What temperature should Tradjenta be kept at?+
At 68-77°F (20-25°C), with excursions allowed to 59-86°F (15-30°C).