The package, which will launch at more than 3,600 Walmart pharmacies this summer, features a tear-resistant, recyclable outer carton, an easy-slide blister and an integrated calendar for patients to easily track their medications.
According to the US-based firm, the development of Shellpak Renew is part of MWV’s long-standing commitment to further awareness and solutions for poor medication adherence.
Poor medication adherence
Research shows that half of all patients in the US today do not take their medicines as prescribed. Poor medication adherence can lead to worsening of disease, serious and avoidable health risks, increased hospitalizations and even death, according to MWV.
The annual cost of non-adherence in the U.S. is estimated to be $290 billion, representing 13% of total healthcare expenditures.
“Among the many adherence solutions that are available to help patients take their medications as prescribed, medication packaging may be uniquely effective as one of the last opportunities to educate patients about how to take their medications safely and effectively,” explained MWV’s John Grinnell, vice president and managing director, for MWV Healthcare’s Secondary and Adherence Packaging Division.
Key features
Shellpak Renew is based on MWV’s original Shellpak design, and was developed based on feedback from pharmacists and patients.
The outer carton is made of MWV’s Natralock, an environmentally-friendly paperboard-based packaging solution that maximises the use of recyclable materials and minimizes waste, according to MWV.
The package also contains enhanced adherence features, including color-coded spine labels to help distinguish among drugs and easy-open, child-resistant push buttons.
In addition to Walmart, Shellpak Renew is currently being used in nearly 2,000 other retail pharmacies across the country.