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meanstoanend Asked September 2022

Why is it suggested that cancer meds not be kept in a pill box?

There are some days when I'm gone for the day and I would like to set up my housemates meds so they would be ready when it's time to take them in case I don't make it back in time.


The directions suggest not taking the pills out of the bottle until it's time to take them. If they break down when exposed to light, I want to know why I can't choose a container that protects them from the light.

JoAnn29 Sep 2022
Your Pharmacist knows more than the doctor. They will tell you when a pill will interfere with another you are taking. Sad to say but Drs get perks for pushing certain drugs.

lealonnie1 Sep 2022
Pradaxa is a blood thinner my DH takes; it cannot be taken out of its bottle until right before he's ready to take it b/c the bottle is like a humidor; it provides the exact right humidity for the pills to thrive in. Taken out of the bottle and put into a pill box, for instance, cuts down the effectiveness of the pill by 25%.

Each pill has a story of its own to tell. Only the pharmacist can tell you why these cancer drugs have to be taken directly from their bottle. A forum of caregivers is not equipped to do so. In fact, the pharmacist from Kaiser *our insurance company* called my DH directly with the info about Pradaxa; the doctor himself had no idea about the bottle acting as a humidor.

Good luck.

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MACinCT Sep 2022
You might be able to get those little zip lock plastic bags that are darkened from the pharmacy and label them for days of the week. Another option is to take your pill boxes and spray paint them black. These pill boxes should have raised letters rather than printed. Also found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Weekly-Annwer-Organizer-Vitamin-Supplements/dp/B08S3HXGP3/ref=sr_1_22?crid=R7FIENTI9X48&keywords=dark+colored+pill+boxes&qid=1662855356&sprefix=dark+colored+pill+boxxes%2Caps%2C606&sr=8-22

JoAnn29 Sep 2022
This is interesting. A question I have never heard on this forum and I have been here a while. Yes, as Geaton says, call the Pharmacist. Best person to ask that question, then please come back and tell us the answer.

Geaton777 Sep 2022
I would call the pharma company or a pharmacist and ask this very legitimate question.

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