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II. How Do I Properly Store Xarelto?
Generic rivaroxaban has a shelf life of 30 months (2.5 years) when stored in an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) bottle and 18 months (1.5 years) when stored in a blister pack, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To find the specific shelf life of your own Xarelto supply, check the expiration date printed on its original packaging.
Is It Safe to Take Xarelto Past Its Expiration Date?
The FDA strictly states that expired medication should not be taken under any circumstances.
This is because a medication's expiry date refers to the point until which its manufacturer can guarantee its strength, quality and purity. Thus, the quality of expired medication—Xarelto or otherwise—cannot be guaranteed.
When drugs expire, they may become less effective. Additionally, they may release toxic substances that are directly harmful to patients.
The FDA notes that people with serious and life-threatening conditions (such as stroke, blood clots and major cardiovascular events, which Xarelto is designed to treat and prevent) are particularly susceptible to the ill effects of expired drugs.
In short, you should never take expired Xarelto, even if it appears to be normal.
How Do I Properly Store Xarelto?
To help your Xarelto supply stay pure and effective until it expires, it's important that you follow its storage guidelines.
Xarelto's manufacturer specifies that the medication should be stored at a temperature of 77 degrees or room temperature. According to the United State Pharmacopeia (USP), room temperature is defined as anywhere between 59 degrees and 77 degrees. [1]
MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's online information database, also offers these medication storage tips:
- Try to keep medications away from heat, light, air and moisture whenever possible.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place (a dresser drawer, storage box or closet shelf are all good choices).
- Don't store medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet.
- Don't take your medication out of its original container.
- Don't leave the cotton ball inside the medicine bottle. [2]
Don't use damaged medication. For example, if you notice that your medication is cracked, chipped, softer/harder than usual, has changed color or smells different, don't take it.
For more specific storage instructions for Xarelto generic, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist. If your supply of Xarelto does end up expiring, be sure to dispose of it according to the FDA's recommendations.
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.
The Complete Guide to Xarelto Medication