Changes in Shape and Size of Medicines Prompt Patients to Discontinue Their Use: Study

Changes in color, shape and size of medicines influence patients to discontinue taking pills and capsules, according to a study.

Experts from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, found patients are less likely to take medications that have had changes in its appearances. They noted over 30 percent of patients with myocardial infractions stopped using drugs given to improve their heart health in case the shapes and sizes of the pills were changed. Those who were prescribed beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II-receptor blockers and statins also dispensed these medicines and their health conditions were most likely to relapse, reports the Medpage Toady.

This study holds, the decision of revamping the appearances of pharmaceutical products may not be a good idea and urges the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to amend its existing rules on appearances changes in generic medications. 

"Federal law gives the FDA the authority to reject applications for generic drugs where 'the composition of the drug is unsafe under such conditions because of the manner in which the inactive ingredients are included. The agency could extend existing guidance to generic drug manufactures to urge those firms to adopt consistent physical attributes for bioequivalent products," write the authors in the study, reports the L.A. Times.

Majority of patients differentiate pills and drugs based on their color and appearances to remember what they are for. Minor variations in product size, shape and color confuse patients and those suffering from poor vision. This might result in intake of wrong medicines or discontinuation of their use.

 Drug manufacturers also warn patients to not take any drugs that have had even slight variations in  appearances and in some cases, they even notify customers about physical changes made on existing products through advertisements and messages on labels. The changes in the pills shape and size may be made for a number of reasons like new cutting machines or new supplier. However, the authors advise patients not to discard medicines that can be safe and equally effective only because they look different.

More information is available online in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.