MASTERING PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR FENTANYL TABLETS, FROM THE VIEW POINT OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

10/01/2024

In the production and supply pharmaceutical, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications is paramount especially Fentanyl Citrate tablets, a powerful opioid analgesic and commonly used in postoperative pain and cancer patients. This article shows some of challenges and typical benefits briefly of blister packing Fentanyl Citrate, bring the benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals such as: Ease of Dispensing and Administration, Protection from Environmental Factors to efficacy of medications and Preventing Counterfeiting drug problem.

 

Analgesic treatment for postoperative pain and cancer patients (Source: Vinmec1)

 

Challenges with Occupational Exposure Band (OEB) and Engineering Controls in Manufacturing & Packing:

 

Occupational Exposure Band (OEB): Fentanyl Citrate is typically considered highly potent substances, and they often fall into higher OEB categories, such as OEB 4 or OEB 5. This categorization highlights the need for strict safety measures to protect manufacturing personnel from potential exposure. Government always recommend companies, conduct thorough risk assessments and implement control strategies to minimize the risk of occupational exposure during manufacturing processes.

 

Engineering Controls: Implementing engineering controls is crucial in minimizing the risk of exposure during processing and packing. This includes the use of closed systems, isolators, and automated processes to limit direct contact with fentanyl citrate. These controls contribute to a safer working environment and help prevent accidental exposure to this potent opioid.

 

(Closed transfering tablets solution by concept 3D to transfer tablets from IBC to blister packaging machine and robotic arm function are designed by TTP  – Source: TTP)

 

Challenge from falsified drug incidents & Opioid crisis

 

According to Pharmaceutical Secure Institute (PSI), the number of arrests made by the police in the year 2022 were highest in the Asia Pacific region, reached 57% in total arrest cases globally.

(The number of arrests of falsified drug criminal in 2022 by regions – Source: PSI2)

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often mixed with other substances or sold as counterfeit prescription medications, has been linked to a rise in overdose deaths in all countries around the world. Fentanyl and its analogs can be extremely potent, and even small amounts can lead to overdose and death.

 

Precision in Dosage and Ease of Dispensing and Administration:

 

The clearly marked individual compartments often bring more satisfaction of healthcare professionals, make it easy to count and dispense the prescribed dosage accurately. Moreover, patients benefit from the user-friendly design of blister packs, facilitating straightforward self-administration.

 

Blister packing offers a high level of precision in dosing, a critical factor when dealing with potent medications like Fentanyl Citrate. Each tablet is individually sealed within a blister, ensuring accurate and consistent dosages. This is especially important for medications where even small variations in dosage can have significant consequences. Blister packs not only protect the integrity of each tablet but also make it easier for patients and healthcare providers to manage and monitor their medication regimen.

 

(Printing control numbers function for each tablet is supplied by TTP – Source: TTP)

 

Protection from Environmental Factors:

 

Fentanyl Citrate has strong medicinal properties, need to be maintained effectively during treatment process, so minimizing risk when exposure to environmental factors such as moisture, light and air, should be emphasized including choosing machines and materials. Blister pack acts as a protective barrier, shielding the tablets from external influences. The airtight and moisture-resistant nature of blister packs ensures that the Fentanyl Citrate tablets retain their potency throughout their shelf life, ensure station and efficacy of drug in clinical environment and at home.

(Fentanyl blister is sealed, protect from environmental factors – Source: TTP)

 

Tamper-Evident Packaging:

 

Patient safety is a top priority in the pharmaceutical industry, especially Fentanyl Citrate. Blister is designed with special packaging, with tamper-evident features. Blister packs provide an additional transparent layer of security by serving as tamper-evident packaging. The sealed compartments of blister packs make it immediately apparent if the packaging has been compromised. And, it create difficulty and prevent young children who may be curious and explore in case of accidental or intentional.  This feature not only enhances patient and healthcare providers confidence in the integrity of their medication but also helps regulatory agency quickly identify any potential issues related to Counterfeiting drug problem.

 

(Designed Fentanyl Blister with Tamper-Evident Packaging – Source: TTP)

 

Blister packing plays a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and precision of Fentanyl Citrate tablets, addressing the unique challenges associated with potent medications as opioid group. From ensuring accurate dosing to protecting against environmental factors and preventing Counterfeiting drug problem, contributes to safety and efficacy during treatment process generally for patients. Blister packing solution for unique drugs are mentioned in above, that have been researched, designed, manufactured and supplied successfully for international customers for many years by Tien Tuan Pharmaceutical Machinery Company Limited. Do not hesitate contact us to know more information.

 

References:

1 Analgesic treatment for postoperative pain and cancer patients (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.vinmec.com/vi/ung-buou-xa-tri/thong-tin-suc-khoe/nhung-van-de-cua-benh-nhan-ung-thu-duoc-giai-quyet-trong-cham-soc-giam-nhe/

 2 Arrest Data (2022). The Pharmaceutical Security Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.psi-inc.org/arrest-data

 

 

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