Throughout the journey from production to consumption, attention to detail is a must, especially concerning temperature control. Even the slightest deviation in temperature can compromise medications, rendering them ineffective or, worse, hazardous to patients. Therefore, it becomes crucial to address the challenges posed by the ‘last mile’ of deliveries, where temperature maintenance is critical.
With that said, here’s all you need to know about temperature indicators and their role in protecting pharmaceuticals.
Why temperature control for pharmaceuticals matters
Pharmaceutical products are often sensitive to temperature variations. Many medications, vaccines, and biologics require specific storage conditions to maintain their stability and effectiveness. For example, vaccines like those used during COVID-19 needed to be stored at precise temperatures to prevent degradation of their active ingredients.
For many medications, exposure to temperatures outside of the recommended range can lead to loss of potency or even harmful changes in the composition of the medication. These alterations can, unfortunately, pose serious health risks to patients.
That’s where temperature indicators step in.
The role of temperature indicators in pharmaceutical packaging
Temperature indicators act as guardians, providing evidence when pharmaceutical products have been exposed to temperatures above or below a chosen threshold.
These indicators come in various forms, including labels, tags, and electronic devices, each designed to suit different packaging requirements.
- Temperature indicator labels: These are simple, cost-effective solutions that change color or display a message when exposed to temperatures outside of the specified range. They are often attached to individual packages and provide visual cues to indicate whether the product has been subjected to poor conditions.
- Electronic data loggers: More advanced temperature indicators, these devices record temperature data over time and can provide detailed reports of temperatures. They are particularly useful for sensitive products that require strict temperature monitoring throughout the supply chain.
However, given their cost, electronic data loggers are typically used per pallet, meaning individual shipments do not benefit from the physical evidence provided by temperature indicator labels.
