Julia Fiona-Maree Gilmartin1,2, Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham3, Yogini Jani1,4, Felicity Smith1, Mine Orlu-Gul3. 1. Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London School of Pharmacy, London, UK. 2. Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia. 3. Research Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, London, UK. 4. Pharmacy Department, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to identify information that is currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into multicompartment compliance aids (MCAs). This article explores the potential risks associated with repackaging medications into MCAs for pharmacists who supply and patients who use them. KEY FINDINGS: There is a paucity of information currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs as it is not routinely provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, some studies have identified the potential for adverse effects on safety, bioavailability and stability that may have a clinical impact. There are also professional and legal implications of removing medications from their original packaging for storage in MCAs. CONCLUSION: There is a growing need for further information concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs to guide pharmacists who are supplying these compliance aids to primary and secondary care. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and researchers should be advised to conduct stability testing in MCAs for orally administered medications. This information should be readily available, and pharmacists should be made aware of it via their pharmaceutical bodies. As a result, decisions regarding MCA preparation can be more informed, and pharmacist and patient risks associated with repackaging potentially unstable medications can be minimised.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to identify information that is currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into multicompartment compliance aids (MCAs). This article explores the potential risks associated with repackaging medications into MCAs for pharmacists who supply and patients who use them. KEY FINDINGS: There is a paucity of information currently available to pharmacists concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs as it is not routinely provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, some studies have identified the potential for adverse effects on safety, bioavailability and stability that may have a clinical impact. There are also professional and legal implications of removing medications from their original packaging for storage in MCAs. CONCLUSION: There is a growing need for further information concerning the stability of medications repackaged into MCAs to guide pharmacists who are supplying these compliance aids to primary and secondary care. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and researchers should be advised to conduct stability testing in MCAs for orally administered medications. This information should be readily available, and pharmacists should be made aware of it via their pharmaceutical bodies. As a result, decisions regarding MCA preparation can be more informed, and pharmacist and patient risks associated with repackaging potentially unstable medications can be minimised.
Authors: Diana A van Riet-Nales; Katarina Sundberg; Anthonius de Boer; Blanka Hirschlérova Journal: Br J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2020-10 Impact factor: 4.335
Authors: Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham; Alba Garcia Del Valle; Carlota Varon Galcera; Susan Anne Barker; Mine Orlu Journal: J Pharm Health Serv Res Date: 2017-05-08