Why Are Certain Medications Dispensed in Their Original Containers?

When you pick up a prescription from your pharmacy, you’re likely expecting it to come in that quintessential amber vial. But every now and then, you might receive one in its original packaging from the manufacturer. That might get you wondering: what’s the deal with these amber vials, anyway? After all, seeing your prescription in its original container may offer peace of mind that you have indeed received the correct medication. What’s more, skipping the amber vial could avoid extra packaging waste.

Well, it generally comes down to logistics. Pharmacies often purchase their products in large stock bottles so that they can fill smaller vials with specific amounts of medication. This is done as a way to save money and to dispense exact doses to cater to your specific needs.

For most medications, this approach is a good one. But there are certain medications that shouldn’t be repackaged by your pharmacy team — and there’s a few reasons why.

Why are some medications dispensed in their original containers?

There are several medications that should be dispensed in their original containers. In most cases, the FDA determines which medications fall into this category. Manufacturers may also indicate on their own if a medication should be in its original container when it leaves the pharmacy.

There are two main reasons for this: protecting medications from the outside world and simplifying the filling process at the pharmacy.

Environmental protection

The main benefit of having medications kept in their original containers is that they’re protected from their environment. Compared to amber vials, these bottles do a better job at shielding medications from high or low temperatures, lighting, and moisture. This helps maintain a medication’s intended safety and effectiveness.

Simplifying the filling process at the pharmacy

Convenience is another reason why medications are dispensed in their original containers. Medication manufacturers sometimes package medications so each container has a certain amount of medication.

For example, it’s common to fill a 30-day (1 month) supply of medication at the pharmacy. Medication manufacturers will often fill containers so each bottle already has a 30-day supply of medication in it. Medications like Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Eliquis (apixaban) are common products that come in bottles with a 30-day supply.

Because of this, pharmacies don’t need to spend time counting medication. This frees up their availability for other tasks, such as counseling people and administering vaccines.

7 medication groups that should be dispensed in their original containers

As discussed, many medications should leave the pharmacy in the original containers that their manufacturer put them in. The medications described below are some of the top examples.

1. Tablets that must be kept in their original container

Tablets are solid, smooth pills that come in many shapes and sizes. They’re usually taken by mouth and you can sometimes crush or split them into smaller pieces.

Some tablets are more sensitive to environmental factors than others. Because of this, they have stricter packaging recommendations. These are some of the most common tablet medications that must be dispensed in their original container:

• Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)

• Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)

• Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)

• Belsomra (suvorexant)

• Effient (prasugrel)

• Micardis (telmisartan)

• Treximet (sumatriptan/naproxen)

• Tekturna (aliskiren)

• Nitroglycerin

These medications should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Make sure to avoid placing these tablets in a pill organizer, and try to take your medication as soon as you remove it from its packaging.

Why must Truvada be dispensed in its original container?

Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) is a once-daily tablet used to prevent HIV. Like other HIV medications, pharmacies must dispense Truvada in its original container. If it’s not dispensed properly, it could be exposed to moisture in the air and become less effective. The original container creates a tight seal that blocks moisture from getting in. There is also a silica gel packet in the container that helps keep the medication dry.

These precautions also apply to Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide), a similar medication used to prevent HIV.

2. Orally disintegrating tablets that must be kept in their original container

Like the name suggests, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are a type of tablet that break down (dissolve) in your mouth. They’re usually kept in blister packs, which are a type of packaging that separate individual pills into compartments. Without this protection, moisture can make ODTs dissolve.

These are common ODTs that must be kept in their blister packs until they’re ready for use:

• Zofran ODT (ondansetron)

• Zyprexa Zydis (olanzapine)

• Lamictal ODT (lamotrigine)

• Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)

3. Chewable tablets that must be kept in their original container

Chewable tablets are another type of oral tablet. Unlike regular tablets, you chew them instead of swallowing them whole. Common examples are Isentress (raltegravir) for HIV and Singulair (montelukast) for asthma. These medications should be kept in their original containers to ensure they remain safe and effective.

4. Capsules that must be kept in their original container

Capsules are a different type of pill. Compared to a tablet, medication in a capsule is placed inside an outer shell. They usually don’t have any taste and you also start to feel the medication’s effects quicker. Common capsules that need to be kept in their original container include:

• Neoral, Gengraf (cyclosporine modified)

• Pradaxa (dabigatran)

• Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)

• Norvir (ritonavir)

5. Films that must be kept in their original container

Oral films are a special type of dosage form. These medications look like a thin sheet, similar to a breath strip. They’re placed under your tongue or in your cheek and take a few minutes to dissolve. During this time, and shortly after your dose, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything.

Each film is wrapped in its own individual pouch and shouldn’t be opened until it's time to take your dose. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and Belbuca (buprenorphine) are two top examples.

6. Liquids that must be kept in their original container

Oral liquids are another common type of medication. This dosage form is often saved for people who have trouble swallowing tablets and capsules. This usually includes younger children and older adults. However, some of them are sensitive to light or moisture.

There are many oral liquid medications which must be dispensed in their original container, such as:

• Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)

• Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)

• Isentress

• Gengraf

• Neoral

7. Injectables that must be kept in their original container

Many injectable medications must also be stored in their original containers. They shouldn’t be transferred to another syringe.

Some injectables — especially intravenous (IV) injectables — are administered by a healthcare provider at a hospital or clinic. But a growing number of medications are becoming available as under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injections you give yourself.

Keep an eye out for injectable medications that come in ready-to-use syringes or injector pens, such as:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Enbrel (etanercept)

• Humira (adalimumab)

• Trulicity (dulaglutide)

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

• Lovenox (enoxaparin)

• Repatha (evolocumab)

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Written by:

Jonathan Hoosein, PharmD/MBA Candidate

Jonathan Hoosein is a PharmD and MBA candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Throughout his professional career, Jonathan has gained experience in various areas of pharmacy including community, hospital, and managed care — all of which has improved his skills in directing patient care.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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