Not All Prescription Packaging is Created Equal, According to Test

A recent study comparing eight leading prescription packaging brands revealed that differences exist between prescription packages that could impact patient safety and the integrity of the prescription drugs that are contained in them.
Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (PHSI), a pharmaceutical consulting firm in Pittsburgh, PA, conducted a study to analyze prescription vials in three categories -- child-resistance, moisture permeation, and light transmission. These factors are critical to patient safety and the stability of prescription drugs.
The partial panel study consisted of a pass or fail comparison to the standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for Child-Resistance as well as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for Moisture Vapor Permeation and Light Transmission. Most of the manufacturers' vials tested did not pass all three test criteria at the highest level. Of the products and manufacturers tested, the only product that passed all three test criteria at the highest levels was the Screw-Loc(R) vial from Rexam.
"Pharmacists concerned about their packaging should request documentation from the prescription packaging manufacturer on the test results for child resistant protocol, moisture permeation, and light transmission," according to Donald Dietz, R.Ph., Vice President, PHSI. "The tests should show that the package meets or exceeds all testing standards. The selection of a prescription package that meets CSPC and USP standards should be important for the dispensing pharmacist."
Dietz further noted, "With the average prescription price costing more than $70, a pharmacist should consider if the savings gained by not using the highest quality packaging is worth the risk to their patients."
For a copy of the complete study, visit: http://www.phsirx.com/ComputerTalk/Medications_Dispensing.pdf
About PHSI
Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions (PHSI) consults with pharmaceutical manufacturers, PBMs, retail pharmacy chains, and software companies on strategic business and marketing issues and targeted operational projects. Consulting projects across these market segments provide PHSI clients with the latest information on emerging trends as well as new products and services. Our consultants have extensive retail, mail service, and managed care experience to create actionable recommendations for our clients' pressing business issues.