Medicine packaging is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry. It needs to be designed with a focus on safety and benefits for the consumer. The FDA has strict guidelines for pharmaceutical packaging. These regulations are a challenge for designers.
Packaging Materials
Packaging is critical to the safety and success of pharmaceutical products. It protects the product from damage during transport, while also allowing the drug to be tracked throughout its journey. Various materials are used to make up the packaging for medicines. These include plastics, glass and metal. Chemically inert plastics are often used for tablets, capsules and liquid products. They are light, collapsible, and unbreakable.
They can be printed or laminated with a clear or opaque material. Opaque types provide UV protection, while clear ones let the pharmacist and consumer verify a product’s identity. They can be designed with child-proof closures that prevent children from opening the packaging, making them safe for young patients. Other options are press-turn, squeeze-turn and combination closures that can be used for a variety of medicines.
Packaging Design
Packaging is the point of contact between a product and the consumer. It needs to be intuitive and easy-to-use, but also safe and trouble-free. Currently, one of the biggest challenges that the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries face is patient adherence. Research shows that patients who do not take their medicines properly cost the NHS PS500 million a year.
The design of medicine packaging is an important factor in encouraging patient adherence. This is because the design helps to ensure that a patient has everything they need to use the medicine safely and effectively.
For example, a pharma company may use child-resistant packaging to protect medication from children’s hands. They may also need to include crumple zones for fragile products, such as vials, so they don’t move around during shipping.
Packaging Structure
The packaging structure plays an important role in the protection of the product. Its main function is to prevent the product from breaking, damage, or oxidization. The structural design can enhance the appearance of the package. This can help the product attract customers and make it more appealing on the shelf.
Moreover, it can also make it more memorable for consumers. It can be combined with distinctively shaped cut-outs, embossed or debossed logos to distinguish the brand. In addition, it can create a more memorable unboxing experience for the consumer. This is an effective way to communicate your brand identity, protect your products, and delight consumers.
The packaging structural design should be based on the characteristics of the product, such as the material and the function of the product. It should also take into account the efficiency of logistics and the packaging costs.
Packaging Function
Packaging functions include protecting the product from damage and tampering, ensuring safety and sterility, and preserving quality during storage. Additionally, packaging also helps keep medications organized and easy to access when needed.
Pharmaceutical packaging is used in a variety of care markets, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty pharmacies. Each requires packaging solutions that meet regulatory standards and meet patient needs.
The primary packaging function is to protect medications from tampering or contamination. It includes child-resistant containers for liquids, blister packs for capsules or tablets, and a wide range of secondary packaging options.
Depending on the specific drug, packaging materials may contain polymers that are designed to preserve the product. However, if these polymers leach into the medication, they can affect the drug's chemical properties, reducing its efficacy or causing it to cause unintended toxicity.
Ineffective packaging and printing can be a barrier to medication adherence, particularly for elderly and handicapped individuals. It can also lead to dangerous storage conditions, medication tampering, and the production of counterfeit medicine.