Is it because they would deteriorate if exposed to the air? Or to prevent them from being jostled together, maybe because the binder is weak? It seems to be mostly expensive pills that are packed this way, so maybe it is just to increase the size of the packaging so the cost doesn't seem so significant. I have many small boxes of such bubble-card pills, and don't have much room to store them. So I'd like to just pop them all off the cards and put them in a bottle. But if the first case is true (deterioration) then that would be a mistake. Does anyone have knowledge about this? A pharmacist? A drug company employee?
2007-07-24 01:27:33 · 5 answers · asked by Robert M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I design medical packaging. Often the bubble cards (typically called blister packs) have a foil lid stock. These packages have very low vapor transmission rates. So if you have a capsule or an active ingredient that is degraded by exposure to moisture, you can minimize the effects by using this type of package.
It is more expensive than bulk packaging, but lends itself to “form, fill and seal” (automated) packaging.
I'd suggest not taking them out of the blister, rather cut the blisters into individual sealed pieces.
2007-07-25 18:57:20 · answer #1 · answered by James H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bubble card makes me remember something very specific about one of the medication that I am taking - it is something SPECIAL. It's also very expensive - I don't get 30 pills a month, I only get 10, and I have to use them only when I REALLY need them.
So in a way it helps me to respect the fact that these are special pills and I have to treat them differently than my other meds. I could spill a few of my other meds down the drain, and live through it, but if I did it with this one I'd really regret it.
If this med that you are speaking of is one that you take every day, then I see no reason why you can't take it out of the bubble card and put it in a bottle, talk to your pharmacist and ask him. If it's not - if it's a special med - leave it alone - the bubble card is there for a reason, and it's not a bad one!
2007-07-24 05:24:02 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
An important part of taking drugs is to know you are taking the correct drug in the correct amount. Tablets are generally made to differ in appearance but are small and can be mistaken. Using a bubble card keeps the drug with the instructions, keeps it clean and allows one dose to be popped at a time. A bubble card is also highly portable (as opposed to a bottle that may spill). Likely production and marketing (recognition) gets into the act too.
2007-07-24 02:24:55 · answer #3 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question, I've starred you, because sometimes I have had my prescriptions provided in bubble cards and the next time in a bottle, so I'd also like to know what, why and how there is a difference, and as you say, can they be re-bottled for ease of storage?
2007-07-24 01:35:28 · answer #4 · answered by Honey W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nursing homes usually use the bubble cards, i pass meds in one, its easier to keep tabs on if some one tries to steel them, and they fit in our med carts easier and makes more room to put other items in or med carts
2007-07-24 07:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by saraann24 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋