For new products or for upgrading of established products, many decisions have to be put in place with regards to all aspects of product development and marketing. Branding also has to be considered, and this can apply both interior and exterior pharmaceutical packaging depending on the specific option selected.
When considering the best type of packaging for any type of pharmaceutical product, there are several factors that need to be carefully examined. Choosing the most effective and efficient packaging, as well as the one best suited to the end user’s needs, will provide your brand with a positive experience for your clients and customers.
Bottling or Blistering
Medications sold to consumers over-the-counter or through a prescription can be packaged either in bottles or in blister packs. Both can also be enclosed in an additional box or container that can highlight the selected company branding.
Both options are a good match for different types of medications. Blister packing, also known as blister cards, can be a very good choice for medications that are needed on a frequent basis. The blister packaging allows the patient or consumer to simply bring an easy to carry blister card with them rather than requiring the entire bottle or prescription.
Bottling is a good option for medications and other products that are used on an ongoing basis. Large or small bottles holding different numbers of pills, capsules or tablets make the cost of packaging lower per unit or per dose. This allows companies to offer lower costs for these types of medications to the end-users.
The pharmaceutical packaging can be designed to address any particular safety or access requirements. This can include packaging for those with arthritis or for seniors, as well as child resistant and tamper-evident types of packaging.
Physicians Samples and HUD Packaging
In addition to consumers and patient use, pharmaceutical packaging will also need to be developed to provide physician samples as well as hospital unit dose packaging. For many prescription medications, investing in quality, physician sample kits will be a core of a pharmaceutical company’s marketing efforts. The packaging should be unique and easily identifiable, keeping your product front and center in the mind of the doctor.
HUD or hospital unit dose blister packaging is also recommended for commonly prescribed drugs or generic drugs used in hospital settings. This is a very effective way for hospitals to maintain inventory and use records and to also help to reduce the cost by purchasing doses in larger volume.