How to Make Your Prescription Packaging More Cost-Effective

In North America, pharmacies use prescription packaging to dispense almost all oral drugs to patients. Whether it's vials or glass bottles, the primary purpose of all Rx packaging is to protect the medication. But, it also ensures patient safety. That’s the reason pharmacies often spend a fortune on Rx packaging.

However, this approach cannot work in an increasingly competitive market. You have to keep the packaging costs down to stay competitive. The question is – can you lower your Rx packaging costs without compromising patient safety?

The short answer is – YES!

Let’s find out how.

Decoding the Basics of Prescription Packaging

Before we get into cost-effective packaging solutions, you must understand two things:

• First, pharmacies need a packaging solution that protects medication from elements like light, air, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Without proper packaging, the medication will become less effective or even harmful. That's something no pharmacy wants.

• Second, the Rx packaging should serve as a valuable source of information. Usually, the packaging contains information like the name of the medicine, dosage, expiry date, and instructions for safe use. This information ensures the medication gets used correctly.

You cannot ignore these two factors. Whether it's vials or bottles, be sure the packaging is safe, easy to use, and won’t compromise patient safety.

The Most Common Challenges in Prescription Packaging

Finding a perfect prescription packaging solution is often easier said than done. The most common challenges involved in this process are: 

1. High Costs

Perhaps the #1 challenge for pharmacies is the ever-increasing packaging costs. Packaging suppliers across the globe are feeling the pinch of inflation. It’s getting difficult for pharmacies to balance the cost of packaging without compromising quality. From prescription vials to labels, each component adds up, making Rx packaging more expensive than you think.

2. Patient-Friendly Design

Pharmacies need patient-friendly and safe packaging. That means you have to consider factors like:

• Easy-to-open packages
• Easy-to-read labels
• Crystal clear instructions for use
• Child-resistant design for increased safety

These factors will help you find a Rx packaging solution that patients of all ages and abilities can use. Finding such a solution at a low cost is a rather steep order. 

3. Environmental Impact

Today, being environmentally responsible is as important as being cost-effective. Pharmacies need to choose a cost-effective packaging solution that does not harm our planet. This includes using recyclable or responsibly sourced packaging materials. However, these solutions may not always prove to be cost-effective.

Strategies for Cost-Effective Packaging

Although challenges are plenty, you can still find a cost-effective packaging solution. Here are a few strategies that will help you lower your packaging costs.

1. Bulk Purchasing

When you buy in bulk, you often get a better price. It's like stocking up on your favorite cereal when it's on sale. Total Pharmacy Supply is the best place to buy Rx packaging supplies in bulk. From vials and glass bottles to labels and IV bags, you can purchase anything in large quantities and save money.

2. Choosing the Right Materials

Choosing the right Rx packaging material can help you balance the quality and the cost. You want a material that protects the medication but doesn't break the bank, like the amber plastic vials at TPS. Our Pharmacy-Lite Simple & Safe Vial System comes in three colors. The caps are reversible, child-resistant, and non-child-resistant. You can also get custom prints on the caps.

3. Optimize Your Packaging Designs

Sometimes, Rx packaging can be costly, not because of its material but the design. Your packaging design need not be fancy or out of this world. It can be simple yet impactful. Choose a prescription packaging design that saves resources and money. The packaging should help you use your space smartly. Minimizing design elements can help you save money without compromising on safety.

4. Improve Your Prescription Packaging Process

Optimizing your packaging process is another way to reduce your overall costs. A well-optimized process helps you reduce labor costs and medication errors. That, in turn, leads to more savings in the long run.

You can either partly or fully optimize your packaging process. There are different prescription packaging solutions to help speed things up. For example, the HangUp® Prescription Retrieval System can help you save 25% in retrieval time over bin or drawer systems. It also helps you eliminate medication errors. Investing in a system like this can result in long-term savings. 

5. Improve Your Storage

Like the medication, your prescription packaging also needs proper storage. Don’t store empty prescription vials, glass bottles, or paper bags in damp, cluttered areas. Keep the storage area clean and protected from direct sunlight, heat, or rain. These simple precautions will prevent your Rx packaging materials from getting damaged.

6. Keep It Patient-Centric

Keep your prescription packaging patient-centric. If your patients find it user-friendly, they're more likely to adhere to their medication routine. That means you will have fewer prescriptions to refill. The increased patient satisfaction will also translate into word of mouth for your pharmacy, resulting in more business.

7. Keep an Eye Out for Packaging Innovations

Next-gen prescription packaging innovations are already making waves. Technologies like RFID trackers, augmented reality labels, and artificial intelligence (AI) are making prescriptions more efficient and cost-effective. Keep an eye out for technologies like these. It could help you save money and time in the long run.

8. Try Eco-Friendly Rx Packaging Options

The global economy is shifting towards greener packaging. Pharmacies are no exception to this trend. You can also use prescription packaging made from biodegradable, recyclable, or sustainably sourced materials. This will help you reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, eco-friendly Rx packaging can help you tap into a broad customer base.

9. Comply with the Necessary Regulations

You cannot overlook regulations and compliance when trying to find a cost-effective packaging solution. The packaging solution needs to comply with the necessary regulations by the local, state, and federal authorities. Lack of compliance can lead to legal action, huge fines, and even lawsuits from your patients. 

Total Pharmacy Supply Is Here to Help You

At Total Pharmacy Supply, we understand your need for a cost-effective packaging solution. We supply a wide range of Rx packaging products, including labels, IV bags, prescription vials, plastic and glass bottles, suppositories, and poly bags. All our products comply with standard regulations, but always be sure to be knowledgeable of what your specific region’s regulations require.

But more importantly, we offer bulk purchasing and help you save money without compromising quality. Our team can help you find the packaging design and materials that best fit your needs and budget. And you can do this while maintaining the highest quality and patient safety.

Conclusion

Many pharmacies struggle to keep prescription packaging costs down. It's not easy to find a cost-effective packaging solution that complies with the necessary regulations without compromising quality or patient care. However, being resourceful and patient-focused can help you cut costs. You can optimize your packaging process, use eco-friendly packaging, and tech integration to reduce costs further.

And remember, Total Pharmacy Supply is here to help you. We offer bulk purchasing, which can help you save money. Check out our products now or call (800) 878-2822 for custom pricing options.