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Drugs & Therapy Perspectives
Published in: Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 10/2017

Open Access 01-10-2017 | Original Research Article

Stability of medicines after repackaging into multicompartment compliance aids: eight criteria for detection of visual alteration

Authors: Valerie Albert, Michael Lanz, Georgios Imanidis, Kurt E. Hersberger, Isabelle Arnet

Published in: Drugs & Therapy Perspectives | Issue 10/2017

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Abstract

Introduction

Multicompartment compliance aids (MCA) are widely used by patients. They support the management of medication and reduce unintentional nonadherence. MCA are filled with medicines unpacked from their original packaging. Swiss pharmacists currently provide MCA for 1–2 weeks, although little and controversial information exists on the stability of repackaged medicines.

Objective

We aimed to validate the usefulness of a simple screening method capable of detecting visual stability problems with repackaged medicines.

Methods

We selected eight criteria for solid formulations from The International Pharmacopoeia: (1) rough surface, (2) chipping, (3) cracking, (4) capping, (5) mottling, (6) discoloration, (7) swelling, and (8) crushing. A selection of 24 critical medicines was repackaged in three different MCA (Pharmis®, SureMed™, and self-produced blister) and stored at room temperature for 4 weeks. Pharmis® was additionally stored at accelerated conditions. Appearance was scored weekly.

Results

Six alterations (rough surface, cracking, mottling, discoloration, swelling, and crushing) were observed at accelerated conditions. No alteration was observed at room temperature, except for the chipping of tablets that had been stuck to cold seal glue.

Conclusion

The eight criteria can detect alterations of the appearance of oral solid medicines repackaged in MCA. In the absence of specific guidelines, they can serve as a simple screening method in community pharmacies for identifying medicines unsuitable for repackaging.
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Metadata
Title
Stability of medicines after repackaging into multicompartment compliance aids: eight criteria for detection of visual alteration
Authors
Valerie Albert
Michael Lanz
Georgios Imanidis
Kurt E. Hersberger
Isabelle Arnet
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs & Therapy Perspectives / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 1172-0360
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1977
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-017-0431-9

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