Comar’s solution to OTC safety concerns

US-based packaging company Comar has launched AccuCup, which it claims offers significant advantages over existing dosage cups used for over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

AccuCup is said to be a stronger and safer alternative to other embossed dosage cups. Comar believes this is particularly advantageous when dispensing liquid-drugs that require "clearly visible accuracy" and the synchronization of packaging label instructions with cup-print markings.

Measurement markings are printed on the outside of the cup using US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant, food grade inks.

Mike Ruggieri, president of Comar, said: "Our decision to offer AccuCup to the market was a proactive response to the pharmaceutical industry's and FDA's continuing concerns over the safety and effectiveness of selected OTC paediatric liquid cough and cold medications.”

The paediatric market is catered for through the cups capacity to be fitted with child-resistant closures from 22 to 24mm in diameter.

Comar is offering to fit custom cap designs for its clients, allowing for different designs to be added to AccuCup, increasing brand differentiation.

Customisation extends beyond this, with Comar keen to emphasise the offerings that are available to its pharmaceutical clients. This includes the capacity to print custom measurements, brands and instructions in up to two colors on the cup.

Arcadia tackles patient compliance

Arcadia is claiming that its DailyMed prescription packaging programme is improving patient compliance and safety in the State of Indiana.

DailyMed is a pharmaceutical packaging system intended to increase patient compliance and minimise the likelihood of adverse health complications.

Multiple prescriptions and OTC medicines can be incorporated into a roll of packets labeled with the dates and times the patient should take the medications.

As part of a pilot program DailyMed is being offered to some Medicaid members with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities and chronic diseasesin Indiana.

Marvin Richardson, president and CEO of Arcadia, said: “It is not uncommon for us to encounter patients who take 20 or more pills per day and who may see four or more physicians.

“These types of patients are highly susceptible to adverse drug events. DailyMed can help avoid those events, unnecessary hospitalisations, improve pharmaceutical care, maximize efficacy and save state taxpayers hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars per enrolled member.”