To order, go to medicine boxes. Read this first, because this is the category where an attractive carton that has not been planned around its mandatory content has to be redesigned late and at cost.
Plan the information, then the design
| Panel | What commonly has to live there |
|---|---|
| Front | Product name, strength, dose form, quantity |
| Back | Directions, warnings, active and inactive ingredients |
| Side panels | Manufacturer details, barcode and any serialisation code |
| End flap | Batch number and expiry date, overprinted at packing |
| Front or side, embossed | Braille, where the market requires it |
The overprint area deserves particular attention. It has to be a clear, uncoated or overprint-friendly area in a position the coding equipment can reach, and a glossy laminate across that zone can stop the code adhering.
The leaflet usually sets the size
A patient information leaflet printed on a large thin sheet and folded several times can be physically larger than the blister or bottle it accompanies. Measure the leaflet in its final folded state, with the actual paper weight, because a thin sheet folded six times still builds real depth. Then size the carton to whichever is larger, the leaflet or the primary pack, and check that a packer can insert both without forcing.
Tamper evidence and child-resistant features
Tamper evidence on a carton is normally a glued flap, a tear strip or a seal that visibly breaks. It tells the patient the pack has not been opened, and it is a common requirement on medicinal packs in several markets. Child-resistant features are available on request. We do not certify compliance; confirm requirements for your jurisdiction and product.
What we do and what stays with you
We build what you specify: the structure, the board, the print, the braille positioning and the overprint area. What we do not do is certify that your pack meets any regulation, in any market. Rules on medicinal packaging vary by jurisdiction and by product classification, they change, and they are the responsibility of the licence holder. Bring us the specification, including any artwork already approved by your regulatory adviser, and we will produce to it exactly and return a digital proof before anything prints.
Board and print
Pharmaceutical cartons typically use a coated board with a reliable white print face, because legibility of small text is the functional requirement. Avoid heavy laminates over the overprint zone, avoid finishes that reduce contrast on body text, and keep type sizes generous even where the rules permit small ones, since the reader may be unwell or elderly. For the board options, see what SBS board is.
Ordering
Minimum order is 100 boxes, with pricing from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes confirmed on your written quote. Dies, plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof are included. Three lanes are available: rush (expedited production plus air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery, with specialty imported constructions up to about 12 weeks. We produce at West Chicago and at Guangzhou.
Order from the medicine boxes page, or send your approved artwork, the folded leaflet size and your primary pack dimensions through the quote form.
