Keeping up with refills, insurance requirements and organizing medication bottles can quickly become overwhelming. This can be especially true if you take multiple medications or if you’re caring for a loved one who takes multiple medications.
There is a solution to help you – it’s called compliance packaging. Compliance packaging sorts and bundles your medications by date and time in easy to open packs or pouches. This way you have all the medications you need to take at a certain time (such as morning, noon or night) all together in one place. All you do is open one pack instead of multiple bottles. This helps prevent missed doses and ensures you take the right combination of medications at the correct time.
Many pharmacies offer compliance packaging. It makes taking medications easier and improves safety.
Who Might Benefit From This Service?
Medication compliance packaging may be helpful if you or your loved one:
- Take multiple medications
- Have trouble remembering doses
- Feel overwhelmed by pill bottles
- Receive help from family or caregivers
- Have recently been discharged from the hospital
- Have trouble keeping up with changes to your medications
- Have vision, memory or dexterity challenges
What to Expect When You Sign Up
Processes vary by pharmacy, and setup may take several days – especially for first-time packaging. In general, you can expect:
- Medication Overview – The pharmacist will review all your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
- Packaging Setup – Medications are organized and packaged together. Some pharmacies allow you to use your current supply of medications before filling new prescriptions.
- Delivery or Pickup – Many pharmacies offer home delivery.
- Ongoing Coordination – The pharmacy works with your prescribers to manage refills and medication changes.
Before You Switch: What to Know
Cost Considerations
Many pharmacies provide compliance packaging at no additional cost; some may charge a small fee. Check with your pharmacy for details.
Insurance Considerations
- Refill Timing – You may need to use your current medication supply before insurance approves refills. Some pharmacies can incorporate your existing medications into packaging.
- Pharmacy Networks – Insurance plans may require you to use specific pharmacies. Verifying coverage in advance can save time and money.
Timing Matters
- Do not stop taking current medications until your new packaging is ready unless your provider tells you otherwise.
- If your pharmacy does not offer medication compliance packaging, most prescriptions can be transferred to a pharmacy that offers this service without contacting your provider.
- Prescriptions can be transferred if they have refills remaining.
- Controlled substances such as opioids, stimulants and some anxiety/sleep medications may not be transferred between pharmacies. A new prescription may be required.
- Some medications may not be included in medication compliance packaging:
- As needed (PRN) medications
- Liquids, inhalers, injections, eye drops
- Medications with frequent dose changes
- There may be a short overlap period during the transition.
Medication Changes
- Changes in your medications – such as dose adjustments, starting a new medication or stopping a medication – may require:
- Repackaging
- A short delay while packs are updated
- Notify the pharmacy as soon as possible about any changes in your medications.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Keep an up-to-date list of all medications.
- Bring ALL prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to your first visit at the pharmacy to set up compliance packaging.
- Use one pharmacy whenever possible.
- Inform all providers which pharmacy you are using.
- Call your pharmacy before you run out of medications.
Questions to Ask the Pharmacy
- Do you offer compliance (multi-dose) packaging?
- How long does it take to set up this service?
- Do you offer delivery?
- Is there an additional cost for this service?
- Who should I contact with questions or issues?
- How are medication changes handled?
When to Call the Pharmacy Right Away
Call your pharmacy if:
- You miss a dose or take the wrong pack
- A medication looks unfamiliar
- You have new medications (either from your doctor or from a hospital/ER visit)
- You are told to stop a medication
Pharmacies that Offer this Service
The following pharmacies offer this service (subject to change). Please reach out to the pharmacy to learn more. If your pharmacy is not on this list, please contact them to confirm whether compliance packaging is available.
Lincoln, Nebraska Pharmacies
Genoa Pharmacy
- 2301 O St., 402-817-0165
- 9100 Andermatt Dr., 402-975-6002
- 3100 N. 14th St., 402-858-7229
- 2202 S. 11th St., 402-975-6015
Kohl’s RX Pharmacy
- 808 N. 27th St., 402-476-3342
- 3333 O St., 402-476-3342
Lincoln Pharmacy
- 3300 A St., 402-817-7978
Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy
- 1265 S. Cotner Blvd., 402-488-1184
- 5625 O St., 402-488-1184
RelyCare Pharmacy
- 1221 N. Cotner Blvd., 402-466-7283
Super Saver
- 2525 Pine Lake Road, 402-420-8269
- 5460 S. 56th St., 402-464-6279
- 233 N. 48th St., 402-464-8822
- 2622 Cornhusker Highway, 402-466-7775
Online/Mail Order Pharmacies
Amazon Pill Pack
Call 855-745-5725 or set up online at pharmacy.amazon.com/pillpack
You will be prompted to sign in to your Amazon account, or you can set one up.
CVS Caremark (Mail Order Pharmacy)
Call 1-800-930-5190
DivvyDOSE
Call 844-693-4889 or set up online at divvydose.com
Sannessa Reyes, CPhT, CNA
Pharmacy Technician II, Bryan Medical Center
Sannessa Reyes, CPhT, CNA, is a certified pharmacy technician at Bryan Medical Center
