What’s the best way to manage my medications?

Key points

• Almost 250,000 Australians are hospitalised annually due to incorrect consumption of medications
• Five or more medications were prescribed to almost 40 percent of Australians over the age of 75 in 2021
• Different methods for managing medications can include pill organisers, sachets and disposable blister pack trays

As the government recently announced the updated Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme initiative for 60-day scripts for common medications, now is the time to get on top of managing your medications.

Current estimates are that around nine million Australians are using prescription medication daily. Due to mistakes or other problems caused by taking the medication incorrectly, almost 250,000 Australians are hospitalised each year.

For almost 40 percent of Australians over the age of 75, five or more different medications were prescribed in 2021. Not only does this highlight the possibility of taking medications incorrectly due to different dosing and strengths, but it also means that finding a way of managing your medications can help reduce the risk.

Different medication management options are available through pharmacies which can be organised by yourself or people you trust.

Seven-day pill organisers

If you only have a few medications and you’re confident in managing consistent dosing, you may consider purchasing a seven-day pill organiser. These come in once-a-day or morning and evening packs and can be filled by you at home. If you have difficulty opening small blister packets or bottles, looking for a different option available at your local pharmacy may be something to consider. 

Pharmacies offer different options to put your mind at ease when it comes to your medications. While you should check with the pharmacy near you, some of the options available for dispensing include seven-day disposable blister packets and sachets. 

With these options, some pharmacies offer services to deliver medications to your door, already packed and labelled. As these are packed well before the day of collection or delivery, scripts must be available for the pharmacy to dispense in advance.

If some of your medicines are taken on alternate days or need to be halved or quartered, pharmacy options can remove some of this stress of organisation for you. Additionally, not all tablets can be cut so changes in medication should be done in consultation with a pharmacist or doctor.

Seven-day disposable blister packets

While the layout of each varies between pharmacies, it’s common to have a disposable blister packet with four slots daily for seven days. This can include taking medications in the morning, lunch, dinner and evening. Unlike regular blister packs which contain only one medication, these large and easy-to-open blister packs are filled and checked by pharmacists to contain all of your prescribed medications in the correct dosing and schedule. 

While this is a good option for easy medication access, these packs can be a bit bulky to carry around or if you go travelling. They are labelled with the patient’s details and contain a list of specific medications and doses.

Sachets

In comparison to disposable blister packets, sachets are a more transportable option as the sachets can be separated and rolled up, as well as torn off individually. They are also labelled with the patient’s details and medication doses are also specified. The smaller packet size is helpful but could be more easily misplaced.

To get started, visit your local pharmacy to discuss the medicine packing options available to suit you. 

If you’re still unsure about the best option for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local pharmacist or doctor for advice and further information.

Have you used pharmacy packing services before? What did you think?

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