Why Medicines Are Packed in Shiny Aluminium Foil

Medicines can be harmed by water in the air, oxygen, or light.

Shiny aluminium foil helps keep these things away from many tablets.

It is useful because it can be made very thin and still act as a barrier.

Not every medicine needs the same kind of package.

Some come in bottles, while others come in blister strips.

Medicines that need extra protection may be packed between aluminium layers on both sides.

This is called an Alu-Alu blister pack.

The foil does not make a medicine last beyond its expiry date.

It helps the medicine stay in good condition for the time established through testing.