We often tend to think that the packaging of a medicine is just a simple container. However, the “blister” plays an essential role in the conservation and effectiveness of certain treatments. “Once removed from their original packaging, certain tablets may degrade more quickly, lose some of their effectiveness, or even become more difficult to identify in the event of an error.“, confirms Dr Aurélien Tesson, doctor of pharmacy. Here are all those to leave warm in their bags!
Why do certain medications have to stay in their blister?
In everyday life, this little packaging acts as a “protective barrier”. It thus allows:
- Protect the medicine against humidity;
- Limit exposure to air and oxygen;
- Protect certain light-sensitive molecules;
- Guarantee the stability of the medicine until its expiry date.
“This protection is particularly important in bathrooms or kitchens, where variations in temperature and humidity are common,” specifies the pharmacist.
But what are the drugs concerned? They are multiple and varied, according to Dr Aurélien Tesson:
- Effervescent tablets. “Effervescent tablets are extremely sensitive to moisture. Even limited exposure can alter their quality and ability to dissolve properly,” explains Dr Aurélien Tesson;
- Orodispersible medications. “These tablets, designed to melt quickly in the mouth, are often more fragile and can deteriorate quickly out of their packaging”he specifies;
- Certain cardiovascular treatments.
“Some medications intended for the heart or hypertension are particularly sensitive to humidity. This is particularly the case for certain presentations containing perindopril, the packaging of which is specially designed to ensure their stability,” assures the specialist; - Hormonal treatments. “Certain contraceptives or hormonal treatments also require rigorous storage in order to preserve their effectiveness. (As well as certain oral anticancer drugs)”, underlines the expert;
- Photosensitive drugs. “Certain molecules are sensitive to light. The opaque blister allows them to be protected until they are used,” says the pharmacy doctor.
And the pill boxes in all this?
Very practical on a daily basis, Lhe pill organizers help you not forget your medications, especially when several tablets must be taken each day. But be careful: some capsules are sensitive to humidity, light or air and should not be removed from their packaging before swallowing.
“Pill boxes are very useful for improving compliance, particularly among the elderly or people taking multiple medications. However, not all medications can be placed there,” insists Dr Tesson.
Before transferring a medication to your pill dispenser, first ask your pharmacist for advice. “This will be able to check whether the medicine can be stored outside its original packaging and for how long,” specifies the expert.
Good reflexes to adopt
To preserve the effectiveness and safety of your daily treatments, a few simple precautions are necessary:
- Keep your medications in their original packaging when possible;
- Respect the storage conditions indicated in the instructions;
- Avoid storing them in the bathroom, where humidity is often high;
- Do not mix several medications in the same box;
- Always ask your pharmacist for advice before preparing a pill bottle in advance. Sometimes adding a desiccant packet may be considered to limit humidity.
Ultimately, the blister should never be considered as simple “packaging”.
“It is an integral part of the conservation of certain medications. Taking a tablet out of its packaging several days or several weeks before taking it can sometimes reduce its stability and, in certain cases, its effectiveness. In case of doubt, the pharmacist remains the best contact to find out which medications can be prepared in advance and which must remain in their original packaging”, concludes Aurélien Tesson.