UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is working with the pharmaceutical industry to create user friendly packaging for medicines that are used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The Alzheimer's medicines such as galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil and memantine will be packaged in blister packs that will clearly include the days of the week.
Expected to be launched in June next year, the improved packaging will allow consumers to be independent by taking medicines on their own.
Alzheimer's Society policy head George McNamara said: "Simple modifications, such as indicating the days of the week or making the font clearer to read, can have huge implications for both the independence and the safety of people living with dementia.
"While it's encouraging to see this change being implemented for dementia medication, nearly 3 quarters of people with dementia are also living with other long-term illnesses. We would like to see other companies within the pharmaceutical industry following suit to create dementia-friendly medication packaging across the board."
The changes being made to the packaging will help the patients to strictly adhere to the dosage regimens prescribed by the doctors, thereby maximizing the efficacy of treatment.
Life Sciences Minister George Freeman said: "Dementia is a devastating condition, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the UK becomes a world-leader in care, support and research by 2020 - thanks to the Prime Minister's challenge on dementia.
"Medicines packaging which clearly indicates when to take each tablet will help to give greater independence to those living with dementia, and improve confidence, safety, and outcomes."
Image: MHRA is working with the pharmaceutical industry to optimize the presentation of medicines for Alzheimer's disease. Photo: courtesy of gov.uk.
