One of the biggest challenges of repackaging medications for clinics is managing the wide variations in prescribing patterns. Physicians that offer pharmaceutical dispensing generally focus on a few items that they frequently prescribe and that are prescribed in standard pill counts. This enables the clinic to minimize inventory while maximizing products dispensed to patients.
PCA Pharmaceuticals and other repackagers try to do the same thing. We want to offer the largest variety of prepackaged medications possible while balancing the various sizes with what is most frequently prescribed at the clinic level. With medication expiration dates ranging from 18-24 months from when we repackage them, it becomes a priority to get pharmaceuticals off the shelf as quickly as possible.
Here are a few suggestions for clinics that offer pharmaceutical dispensing to consider when discussing prepackaged medications with their distributor:
- If the repackager does not have the exact pill count you want, what is the closest option? We often get requests for an item in 18, 20 or 21 pill counts. We will try to match the clinic with the closest standard bottle size we carry.
- Is there an alternative for the item you requested? Frequently, there are other alternatives that are therapeutically similar to the product you requested.
- If you must have a particular medication in a specific size not offered by your repackager, consider how many you plan to use over a period of time. Your distributor may be willing to custom pack them for you if it looks likely you will use the inventory over a reasonable time period.
Fortunately, most medication dispensing focuses on a relatively narrow range of pharmaceuticals. Your distributor will do everything possible to meet your requirements. We appreciate your patience as we work through the nuances of your practice!
