Why the heck do my BP tablets come in Blister packs of 28?

Question

Not 31 or 27, 28! But my medical will not allow me to collect a new prescription until a WHOLE (yes, 31, 30, 28 or even 29 days) month has gone by.

Do you think that the medical aids and the pharmaceutical companies are saving like this?

Answer 1

This because medical practitioners still work to what is called a lunar month rather than a calendar month, despite the fact that the lunar month contains 29 days, not 28. There are 13 lunar months to a year, rather than 12 calendar months and 13 x 28 = 364, which is close enough and avoids the problems of the random variation of calendar months.

However, if your medical centre will not allow prescription renewal except by calendar month this is a local decision having no status in reality; they are simply cutting corners on medicine costs - tackle them head on and insist on renewal when required.

Answer 2

I would have thought that 28 was a sensible number to have being 4 weeks worth. Having calender monthly packaging would mean that companies would have to make three different packaging (plus a fourth one every four years) which would make less sense and be more confusing.

What doesn't make sense is the doctor not allowing you to renew till the full month is over even though this medication is obviously something you should take every day.

Answer 3

I dont think the problem is with the 28 pack as most meds seem to be packaged that way. You must just live in the wrong place. I order mine about 10 days before I run out & they're waiting for me at the chemist within 4 or 5 days unless I'm due for a medication review. (I'm in UK)

Answer 4

28 days is 4 weeks worth

Answer 5

28 fits nicely in the box. If they put 30 or 32 in, they would need a bigger box, and that would cost more and the drug company's would be making the billions they are at the moment.

Answer 6

It's a conspiracy. Like the hot dogs and the buns.