Multi-dose packets helps eliminate medication errors

Taking medications as prescribed is one of the best ways to control chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, for many people, managing multiple medications, with different doses and daily requirements can be confusing and overwhelming. Depending on the number of medications someone is trying to manage, it's easy to make mistakes, such as missing a dose or doubling-up on a dose.

Fortunately, there's an easy solution that can help eliminate medication errors — multi-dose packets. Multi-dose packets provide a supply of medications in presorted individual packets. These packets, delivered in a sequential strip, are clearly marked with the date and time to be taken.

"Everything a person needs to manage their prescriptions is included in and on the multi-dose packet," says Chessa Nyberg, GEHA Director, Pharmacy Management. "Each packet is clearly labeled with the day, time of day, the patient's name, information about the medication and the prescriber. Inside the packet is the appropriate medication and amount for that dose. All of this is designed to help the individual have a successful treatment of their condition."

By making it easier for people to take their medications, they are more likely to stay committed to their prescription routine and less likely to make medication-related mistakes.

Multi-does packets replace the old-fashion plastic pillbox, which can be hard to open and often causes medicine to fall on the table or floor. Sorting a month's worth of medication can be time consuming, create errors in sorting and introduce impurities into the pillbox. On the other hand, multi-dose packets are sorted in a clean pharmacy environment and securely sealed to prevent contamination.

GEHA members have access to several prescription providers that dispense medications in individual packets. These include:

To decide if multi-dose packets are right for you, talk with your GEHA in-network pharmacist. Presorted multi-dose packets can be delivered to your home or, if available, picked up at a retail location.

This is a brief description of the features of the Elevate, HDHP, Standard, Elevate Plus and High plans. Before making a final decision, please read the plan's Federal brochure RI 71-006, RI 71-014 or RI 71-018, available at geha.com/PlanBrochure. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure.