The ultimate guide to commercial pharmaceutical packaging: From protection to patient engagement

This ultimate guide explores the various aspects of commercial pharmaceutical packaging, from its all-important protective functions to its role in fostering patient engagement.

Commercial pharmaceutical packaging ensures product protection

Commercial pharmaceutical packaging is carefully designed to safeguard medicines from a wide range of external factors that have the potential to compromise their quality, potency, or safety. These key considerations ensure that medications reach patients in optimal condition, maintaining their efficacy and integrity throughout their shelf life. These considerations include:

1. Environmental Factors

• a) Moisture and Humidity: Exposure to moisture can lead to chemical degradation, loss of potency, or microbial growth in medications. Pharmaceutical packaging materials with moisture barrier properties, such as blister packs or moisture-resistant containers, help protect against moisture intrusion.
• b) Light: Certain medications are sensitive to light and can undergo photochemical reactions, resulting in degradation. Light-protective packaging, such as amber-coloured bottles or opaque blister packs, shield drugs from harmful UV rays, preserving their stability for safe consumption.
• c) Temperature Control: Temperature fluctuations can negatively impact the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals. Packaging solutions may incorporate insulation or temperature-resistant materials to prevent exposure to extreme heat or cold during storage and transportation.
• d) Oxygen Permeability: Oxygen can cause oxidation reactions, leading to the degradation of drugs. Packaging materials with low oxygen permeability, such as aluminium foil or specialised films, help minimise exposure to oxygen, maintaining the product’s stability.

2. Physical Protection

• a) Impact Resistance: Pharmaceuticals can be vulnerable to damage during handling, shipping, or accidental drops. Packaging should be designed to withstand such impact and provide cushioning or shock-absorbing properties to protect the integrity of the medication. Impact labels can be used alongside a protective packaging solution to not only deter rough handling, but record and monitor damage to hold responsible parties accountable.
• b) Vibration and Compression: Excessive vibration or compression can result in physical changes or formulation issues in medications. Commercial pharmaceutical packaging should minimise the transmission of these external forces to maintain the integrity of the product.
• c) Tamper Evidence: Tamper-evident packaging helps identify whether a product has been compromised, ensuring the integrity of the medication. Primary pharmaceutical packaging features like induction seals, breakable caps, or shrink bands offer visible evidence of tampering.
  
  Tamper-evident packaging solutions can also be integrated into the outer (secondary and tertiary) packaging. With the likes of tamper-evident adhesive tape, as well as custom made boxes that show damage upon opening, there are many ways to help deter and detect the tampering of commercial pharmaceuticals.

3. Contamination Prevention

• a) Microbial Contamination: Packaging materials should be selected to prevent microbial contamination, which can compromise the safety and sterility of medications. Sealed and sterile packaging, such as ampoules or vials, helps maintain the integrity of injectable drugs.
•  b) Chemical Contamination: Packaging should be free from chemicals that could leach into the medication and cause adverse reactions. Strict quality control measures ensure that packaging materials do not introduce harmful substances that can interact with the drug formulation.

Commercial pharmaceutical packaging enhances medication adherence

Pharmaceutical packaging plays a crucial role in promoting patient adherence to prescribed treatments. It goes beyond the functional aspects of protecting the medication and extends to improving convenience, providing clear instructions, and ultimately fostering patient compliance. By employing the following strategies, commercial pharmaceutical packaging can positively influence patient behaviour:

• a) Patient-Friendly Packaging: User-friendly designs, such as easy-to-open blister packs or single-dose vials, make it simpler for patients to access their medications. Packaging should accommodate patients with limited dexterity or visual impairments.
• b) Dosage Instructions and Reminders: Packaging should include clear dosage instructions and visual cues, such as color-coded labels or icons, to help patients take the correct medication at the right time. Incorporating reminders, like calendar stickers or pill organisers, can further enhance adherence.

Commercial pharmaceutical packaging provides information and education

Pharmaceutical packaging serves as a critical platform for providing essential information about medications to patients. Clear and comprehensive labelling plays a pivotal role in helping patients understand their treatment, ensuring safe and effective usage. Consider the following aspects that contribute to effective information delivery through commercial pharmaceutical packaging:

• a) Drug Information: Packaging should include crucial details like the generic and brand names of the medication, dosage strength, active ingredients, and indications. It should also mention any potential side effects or contraindications.
• b) Multilingual Labelling: In multicultural societies, providing information in multiple languages is essential for patient comprehension and safety. Packaging should accommodate the needs of diverse populations.
• c) QR Codes and Smart Packaging: Advanced technologies, such as QR codes or smart packaging, can provide access to additional information, including medication guides, instructional videos, or interactive tools. These innovations enhance patient engagement and facilitate better understanding of treatments.

Commercial pharmaceutical packaging from Swiftpak

At Swiftpak, we specialise in supplying the pharmaceutical market with industry-leading packaging solutions. Using over 45 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to recommend the very best solution for your product (and business). So, if you’re in need of a commercial pharmaceutical packaging solution, get in touch with our expert team today and find out how we can take your packaging to the next level.