Keystone Folding Box Company (keyboxco.com) has released an improved version of its child-resistant Ecoslide-RX compliance package, which includes an updated re-closable locking feature designed to offer consumers a better experience.

Ecoslide RX 3.0 passed Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protocol testing for child-resistance and received the highest rating, F=1. In addition, the Ecoslide RX 3.0 was also described as being “easy to open” in consumer testing. Introduced in late 2011, the Ecoslide-RX is a child-resistant, senior-friendly compliance package that is both eco-friendly and economical to produce. The Ecoslide-RX 3.0 carton contains no plastic, and the internal blister requires minimal film and foil.  

The compliance pack is made from 100% recyclable paperboard. It is easily separated from its internal blister for recycling. The blister is disposed of, but contains only a fraction of disposable plastic when compared to bottles. The challenge with recycling prescription medicine bottles is that most curbside programs do not accept them.  According the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), prescription bottles smaller than 3 inches in all directions will not be recycled, and ultimately become landfill waste.

The Ecoslide-RX 3.0 package format allows for large, easy-to-read type on all sides of the package for clear product identification. As the unit is prefilled with a 30-day supply and is label-ready, pharmacy dispensing time is reduced when compared to counting and bottling pills by hand. The Ecoslide-RX is typically distributed to pharmacies in a 12-count paperboard dispenser carton that takes up less shelf space than the equivalent dosage amount packaged in pre-filled, unit-of-use bottles.

Recent studies have demonstrated bottles provide substandard moisture protection for medication once opened, while blisters maintain an ideal moisture barrier for each tablet.  They can be printed with calendar-style reminders that prompt patients to take each dose. Many studies conclude that calendarization of doses has a positive impact on medication adherence. 

According to Ward Smith, director of marketing & business development at Keystone, “A driving reason for the redesign of the package was the desire to improve ease-of-use; we wanted to gain more consumer acceptance, and the initial consumer research reflects we have succeeded.”