Enhancing Medication Adherence with Compliance Packaging

Medication adherence remains a critical challenge for pharmacies, particularly those serving Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities and patients managing complex disease states. Studies show that nearly 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed, leading to increased hospitalizations, higher healthcare costs, and poorer health outcomes. Compliance packaging offers a structured, patient-friendly solution, ensuring medications are taken correctly and on time while also improving pharmacy efficiency.

How Compliance Packaging Supports Better Adherence

Compliance packaging, also referred to as adherence packaging, organizes medications by dose, day, and time, simplifying complex medication regimens. By reducing confusion and making medications easier to manage, these solutions help patients stay on track and allow caregivers and healthcare providers to monitor adherence more effectively.

3 Key Benefits of Compliance Packaging

1. Reduced Medication Errors
For patients managing multiple medications, confusion over dosage, timing, and frequency can result in missed doses or accidental overdosing. Compliance packaging provides a clear and structured format, reducing the likelihood of errors.

• Pre-packaged doses minimize the chance of taking the wrong medication or incorrect amounts.
• Clear labeling ensures patients and caregivers understand dosage schedules.
• Tamper-resistant seals enhance medication safety and prevents contamination and diversion.

2. Streamlined Pharmacy Operations
Pharmacies benefit from compliance packaging by improving workflow efficiency and reducing the risk of dispensing errors. Pre-filled adherence packs simplify the verification process, allowing pharmacists to focus on patient care.

• Med Sync programs are easier to manage and patients are much less likely to forget to pick up prescriptions.
• Better inventory control ensures medication stock is managed effectively.
• Integration with automation systems like SynMed® improves accuracy and efficiency.
• LTC @ Home programs require adherence packaging to receive higher reibursement

3. Improved Patient Outcomes
Consistent medication adherence leads to better disease management and fewer hospitalizations. Compliance packaging solutions support pharmacies by ensuring patients receive the correct medications at the right times.

• Blister packs provide visual reminders, making it easier for patients to follow schedules.
• Adherence tracking helps pharmacists and caregivers monitor patient compliance.
• Pre-portioned medications reduce the cognitive burden for elderly patients and those with chronic conditions.

Types of Compliance Packaging Solutions
PAS provides a range of compliance packaging solutions, allowing pharmacies to choose the best fit for their patients and operational needs.

Unit-Dose Blister Cards
Unit-dose packaging is ideal for medications that must be taken separately or on a strict schedule. These cards provide a secure and organized way to dispense individual doses and are used throughout skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living facilities (ALFs).

• FlexRx™ One – A newly designed unit-dose card featuring an enhanced seal to prevent accidental openings and maintain medication integrity.
• Tamper-evident packaging ensures medication security.
• Compatible with automation systems, makes it easy to integrate into existing workflows.
• Medication changes are easily handled by simply dispensing a new card

Multi-Dose Weekly Blister Cards
Multi-dose blister cards simplify medication management for patients taking multiple medications throughout the day. These cards organize doses into a structured format, helping reduce missed or incorrect doses.

• FlexRx28™ Multi-Dose – Available in 7-day formats with up to four time passes per day for added flexibility.
• Optional cover provides durability for retail patients on the go or in unique settings like adult day care.
• Detachable cavities allow for convenient, on-the-go medication management.
• Qube28 and Qube28 Pro provide traditional book style cards with no automation or software required
• Ideal for patients managing chronic conditions requiring multiple daily medications.

Multi-Dose Monthly Blister Cards
Long-term medication adherence is especially important for LTC and chronic care patients. Monthly packaging solutions like Qube31 Multi-Dose and FlexRx32 provide a monthly cycle, reducing the risk of missed refills or forgotten doses.

• Qube31 ensures consistent medication administration over a longer duration.
• Reduces manual handling for both pharmacists and caregivers.
• Designed to integrate with pharmacy automation, improving efficiency.

Pill Boxes for Added Flexibility
For patients who prefer a more customizable solution, pill boxes offer a practical alternative. These containers allow medications to be organized by week or month, making them easy to transport and refill.

• PAS offers over 17 different pill box options, tailored to various adherence needs.
• Custom branding and free artwork design help pharmacies maintain a professional image.
• Durable construction ensures long-term use and ease of access for elderly patients.

The Role of Automation in Compliance Packaging
Many independent pharmacies are investing in automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Compliance packaging solutions from PAS are fully compatible with automated systems like SynMed®, ensuring seamless integration into existing pharmacy operations.

• Automated dispensing reduces manual labor and improves prescription accuracy.
• Sealing and labeling solutions ensure adherence packs are professionally prepared.
• Pre-formed blister cards and labels streamline the fulfillment process, allowing pharmacists to focus on patient counseling and care.

About PAS
Pharmacy Automation Supplies (PAS) has been a trusted partner in pharmacy consumables for over 100 years, providing innovative packaging solutions tailored to independent pharmacies. PAS is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable adherence packaging that enhances pharmacy efficiency and improves patient outcomes.

With a focus on customization, automation compatibility, and adherence support, PAS ensures pharmacies have the right tools to optimize medication management.

Ready to improve adherence in your pharmacy?

Click here to request your Adherence Packaging Starter Kit or contact our team today to explore the right compliance packaging solutions for your pharmacy!