Blister packaging in pharmaceuticals is probably one of the best medical packaging techniques. It is used to seal small products like medicine capsules or tablets. This blister card packaging is used because it protects the products from humidity or contamination for a long time. Some types can actually block out UV rays, as well.
The packaging itself is made out of thermoformed plastic. Normally, there is paper or foil backing to the package.
As well as being used for pharmaceuticals, blister packs can be used to seal in toys or hardware or small electrical items. However, blister packs are most commonly known for being used to pack pharmaceuticals because of its extended shelf life.
Because of pharma track and trace regulations, blister packaging is the go to packaging for medicines as it limits the possible of contamination or of products being switched out.
The drug quality and security act is being taken very seriously now and has been updated to include the pharma track and trace policy which means all pharmaceutical products have to go through a certain process to ensure that they are true products; not contaminated or fake. This is a single process for pharma track and trace as opposed to the systems that were in place previously.
This is not just something that is being implemented in our nation. All over the world, they are trying to make medicine a safer and more viable option by using this pharma track and trace method. Companies have to go through complex serialization and verification regarding global regulations.
Serialization is probably one of the most complicated things that the companies will face. It is quite difficult to simplify the whole process but basically, when any type of object is serialized, it has to be converted into bytes so that it can be stored or transmitted into a memory or database or even just into files. Serialization is used because it allows the state of the object to be saved and the recreated when needed. It is a very big operation but very necessary in order to provide safe travel for medical products.
When distributing any top of product there is a need for the ability to track and trace the product but the concern is much higher when it comes to pharmaceuticals because of the risk of falsification, illegal distribution and the affects it can have to people’s lives, should they ingest the incorrect medicine.
Other benefits would be specific for the customer. It’s understandable that customers want their goods transported carefully and safely. It’s comforting to be able to trace exactly where your package is and when. If a client has to rely on the shipping company to find out where their goods are, things that get miscommunicated, misconstrued and very uncomfortable all the way around. The transparency of track and trace is extremely comforting to the customer because they can follow along in real time without having to hear anything second or even third hand.
As well as benefiting the customer, the actual company can guarantee that the system is safe, watched and nothing is going to happen to the goods.
The openness of this type of system does not leave a lot of room for some one with ill intentions to change the product out, or redirect it. There’s not a lot of places to hide in this system.
Although it is a very efficient and helpful system, it is in no way simple to keep up with. As with everything, the system is not fool proof and there can be mistakes made. Trying to get the correct information to turn around that quickly can be quite a process. However, measures can be taken to do the best job that can be done and precautions taken to keep everyone and everything safe.
All in all, the track and trace system is the best thing in place right to be comfort and transparency to all pharmaceutical shipments. With time, the process will only get better and more efficient and having a little patience and grace is needed.
