Have you ever noticed how your prescriptions always come in a bottle that is colored? It may be the classic orange or amber vial, or it could be a bottle color that matches the company’s colors (ex. Blue, green, etc.), but your prescription never comes in a clear plastic bottle. This is not just a coincidence. There is a reason prescription pills and liquids come in opaque plastic bottles.
Why are pills or liquid medications put into separate bottles by the pharmacy?
When a pharmacy orders medications from a wholesaler, they often come in bottles of 100 or more (sometimes 1000 pills per bottle). Therefore, when you need your prescription filled, the pharmacy needs to break open the original package from the distributor and count out the number of pills needed for your specific prescription. Usually, your medications are filled as a 30-day or 90-day supply. The same situation applies to liquid medications. They usually come in a large bottle from the supplier and the pharmacy must put the liquid into a smaller bottle to fill your prescription. Though, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes medications come in bottles with the exact amount needed for a month’s supply of the medication. In these cases, the pharmacy may just keep the medication in its original packaging for ease of filling the prescription.
Why are prescription medications in opaque bottles?
So why are the prescription bottles opaque instead of clear? The reason for pill bottles being colored is to protect the medication inside and protect you as a recipient. Several medications are sensitive to light. Exposure to light could alter or degrade the medication within the pill bottle. The word opaque means light-blocking, or non-transparent. Some medications, however, are even more sensitive to external factors. Certain medications cannot be removed from their original packaging due to the risk of breaking down the medication. In addition to light, some medications are sensitive to moisture in the air. For instance, orally disintegrating tablets like Zofran are sensitive to moisture and must be dispensed in blister packaging so they do not get any exposure to moisture. Other examples of medications that should be dispensed in their original containers are the HIV medications Truvada and Descovy. It may feel wasteful to use extra bottles for putting the pills in, but ultimately it is for your safety and to ensure your medication will work how it is supposed to.
Also read our blog Medication Safety and You
Disclaimer: This blog is written for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen online.
Resources:
1) Gilead Sciences. (2021). Truvada [package insert].
2) Gilead Sciences. (2022). Descovy [package insert].
