If there was one thing that astounded American ex-patriate Chad Tyler about living in Europe, it was the stark difference in medication packaging preference.
As the sales director of a pharmaceutical packaging company, Chad immediately noticed that around 85% of dispensed medications in Europe find their way into blister packs. In contrast, medication bottles or vials remain the preferred packaging for Americans, representing 80% of the market share.
The striking discrepancy in the statistics has probably made you ask questions like:
How did that happen?
What is causing such a drastic difference?
And, more importantly, is one type of packaging really better than the other?
A blister pack is tamper-evident packaging consisting of a molded plastic sheet with individual pockets, each containing a single dose. Its compartments are usually sealed with a strong, paper-backed foil designed to keep each medication (or set of medications) separated and protected until it’s ready for use.
Durable, transparent, and tamper-proof, blister packs contain over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and vitamins. Depending on the specific medication or product, they come in various sizes and configurations. Here are some examples:
Read More: Multi-Dose Compliance Packaging: What Does It Mean for Care Homes?
Vial packaging involves placing medications in small containers that securely hold and preserve the drug’s shelf life. Plastic pill bottles are a common vial packaging choice for over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and supplements because they provide a secure and convenient way to store and transport tablets or capsules.
Deciding which type of medication packaging is right for your facility can be complicated, especially because blister packs and vials have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here are some comparisons to help you figure out which one best meets your needs:
Blister packs are excellent for medication adherence because they provide individual compartments for each dose, making it easier for staff and patients to track their medications.
Multi-dose compliance packaging, for example, pre-packs specific doses and has clear visual cues for medication administration, which cuts medication pass (med pass) preparation time by 90%.
More advanced packaging like DosePacker’s proprietary multi-dose compliance packs works with other pharmacy technology to verify accurate medication administration and speed up a facility's med pass by over 50%.
By leveraging QR code technology and modern care facility software, care facilities can automate charting, documentation, and dose verification while using blister packs, helping them stay compliant with legal and regulatory standards.
packs with child-resistant features require one to puncture or tear into the package to access the substance inside—something children can’t easily do.
Because doses are packaged separately in blister packages, a person must open cavities individually to access the contents. This offers a significantly higher level of child safety.
Read More: How to Reduce Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste With Compliance Packaging
Whether blister packs or vials best meet your healthcare facility’s prescription packaging needs, what's ultimately important is the quality of the products your patients receive. When investing in your organization’s operations, take the smart route and partner with a reputable company like DosePacker.
Trusted by pharmacies, providers, and long-term facilities, DosePacker delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to enhance patient experience, improve medication adherence, and streamline pharmacy operations.
From medication management software and applications to prescription packaging and storage devices, DosePacker empowers and equips your facility with the tools to help better serve your patients.