Simplied drug packaging had little impact on adherence

Citing studies, American Medical News said simplified drug packaging might improve patients’ comprehension of risks and benefits but seems to have little impact on adherence.

The pub pointed to a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that found Target’s “ClearRx” prescription bottle, with color-coded rings and easy-to-read instructions, didn’t make a dent in adherence. That study found no appreciable difference in refills between 23,745 Target patients and 162,368 patients getting their Rxs filled at other pharmacies. Target noted that improving comprehension of instructions was the goal of the 2005 redesign.