Are pharmacy packaging innovations effect patient adherence?

Pharmaceutical packaging varies significantly based on the type of medication, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Common packaging formats include blister packs, bottles, vials, intravenous bags, and calendar packs. Blister packs, particularly calendar blister packs, help users track their medication intake and provide tamper-evident features.
Child-resistant packaging, mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of the 1970s, has significantly reduced child mortality rates by preventing accidental ingestion of medications. This packaging is designed to be difficult for children to open but can pose challenges for the elderly and disabled, who may request non-child-resistant packaging for easier access. Both prescription and certain OTC drugs must comply with child-resistant packaging regulations to prevent accidental poisoning. Effective drug packaging must ensure the stability of the medication by protecting it from environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity. Materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum foil, and Aclar are commonly used, each with distinct barrier properties. Despite its moisture resistance, PVC is less environmentally friendly compared to alternatives like Aclar and aluminum foil.
Pharmacy inserts are essential for providing information about medications. In the U.S., inserts include medication guides, patient package inserts, and consumer medication information packages, regulated by the FDA. These inserts contain crucial information such as drug interactions, contraindications, and side effects, formatted for easy reference by healthcare providers and patients. Challenges with pharmaceutical packaging include difficulties in opening tamper-evident and child-resistant containers, which can lead to medication non-adherence. This issue is particularly prevalent among elderly patients who may struggle with dexterity. Enhancing patient education on how to use packaging properly and exploring more user-friendly designs could mitigate these barriers.