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Publication Type: Safe Medication Use
Single or Multiple Incident: Multiple
Date: 1/14/2021 12:00:00 AM
Country: Canada
This newsletter discusses the potential for medication incidents when blister packages are used to organize medications and when changes to medications are made. Blister packs, also known as compliance packs or bubble packs, can help consumers keep track of their medications. Medications in the blister pack are organized and labelled according to when they are to be taken during the day. Blister packs are prepared ahead of time. When there are changes to the medications, such as the addition of a new medication or a change in dose, extra checks are required to prevent a mistake. An incident is briefly described where a consumer picked up a blister pack from the pharmacy and noticed that it contained a blood pressure medication which had been previously stopped. The newsletter provides tips for consumers and caregivers on how to use blister packs safely when there are changes to medications.


Rules / Policies / Procedures
  1. Be aware of any changes to your medications. Use the “5 Questions to Ask about Your Medications” for more information (see: https://safemedicationuse.ca/newsletter/newsletter_5Questions.html). For example, you can ask about the reasons for stopping certain medications, starting new ones, or changing doses.
  2. If your medications need to change, take your blister packs back to the pharmacy to be updated. Or your pharmacy may prefer to deliver new packs to you and pick up the old ones, even if you haven’t used up all the medication.
  3. Check the medications listed on the label of the new or updated blister pack. Ideally, you do this together with your pharmacist.
Training
  1. Be familiar with your medications, including the dose and what each medication looks like.
  2. Read some additional tips in “Tips to Prevent Medication Errors with Your Blister Pack”: https://www.safemedicationuse.ca/newsletter/newsletter_BlisterPack.html

Managing Changes in Your Medication Blister Pack