Advantages of Blister Packs
Blister packaging serves as a secure and convenient method for dispensing or administering prescribed medications. The benefits include:
Enhanced Adherence to Therapy
Blister packs make it easier to track whether a dose has been taken or missed, leading to improved clinical outcomes and a reduction in undesirable side effects.
Convenience
These packs are lightweight and easy to store, eliminating the need for bulky pill bottles. When traveling or on the go, you can simply take the exact number of doses you require.
Reduced Risk of Medication Errors
Each dose is clearly labeled with the correct medication, dosage strength, lot number, and expiration date, minimizing the potential for errors.
Additional Benefits for Hazardous Drugs
Blister packaging offers several advantages when dealing with hazardous medications, such as chemotherapeutic agents:
- Preserved Tablet Integrity: By reducing contact between tablets, blister packs minimize powder generation, enhancing safety and reducing cross-contamination risks.
- Lower Risk of Spillage: If a tablet is dropped, the contamination is significantly less than if an entire bottle were to fall.
- Minimized Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals: Each tablet is individually packaged, eliminating the need to handle a full bottle of hazardous medication. This ensures that you only manage the single dose required.
- Reduced Need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): According to the “NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, 2016,” administering an intact tablet or capsule from unit-dose packaging does not necessitate the use of double chemotherapy gloves, protective gowns, eye/face protection, or respiratory protection.
