Opening pill blister packs

Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities
Post Reply
Topic Author
Swansea
Posts: 1533
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:16 am

Opening pill blister packs

Post by Swansea »

I am having a hard time getting the pills forced out of the packs. Any suggestions are most welcome.
Sconie
Posts: 971
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:23 am
Location: Arizona

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by Sconie »

Use the edge of a dull knife, like a dinner or butter knife, to push the pills through the poly-aluminum cover. Alternatively, use a very sharp, razor-like, knife and slit the plastic along the side of the individual tablet capsules.
I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Alan Greenspan
mega317
Posts: 5705
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2016 10:55 am

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by mega317 »

I guess that would depend on the medication and the nature of the difficulty. Is there another form you can buy? My allergy medicine comes in blister packs, or Costco bottles for 1/10th the price per pill.
User avatar
Padlin
Posts: 988
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:46 pm
Location: MA

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by Padlin »

I have one that I can't do at all, I resort to scissors. Cut around 3 sides, close to the pill.
Regards | Bob
livesoft
Posts: 86080
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:00 pm

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by livesoft »

Scissors. If you want small scissors, then I recommend the titanium ones: /https://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Sewing- ... ts_rp_s1_0 Little scissors for both BIG and tiny jobs.
Wiki This signature message sponsored by sscritic: Learn to fish.
User avatar
rob
Posts: 5248
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:49 pm
Location: Here

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by rob »

Nail clippers... or a small child....
| Rob | Its a dangerous business going out your front door. - J.R.R.Tolkien
mr_brightside
Posts: 897
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2020 3:23 pm

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by mr_brightside »

another vote for scissors

specifically 'safety' shears aka EMT shears (no sharp tips)

like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PFYKFQ/re ... RydWU&th=1

great for other uses too

---------------------------------------
JDave
Posts: 591
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2019 9:23 am

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by JDave »

I slice the aluminum foil with a utility knife:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-18mm-11 ... 1001592028
andypanda
Posts: 2012
Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2017 8:11 pm
Location: Richmond, Virginia

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by andypanda »

I use the scissors on my Swiss Army Knife. I have a tiny one on my keyring. Only $20 these days.

"The lightweight, all-purpose Swiss Army Classic Knife includes scissors, blade, screwdriver, nail file, tweezers and a toothpick."
User avatar
Sandtrap
Posts: 19591
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by Sandtrap »

Swansea wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 4:34 pm I am having a hard time getting the pills forced out of the packs. Any suggestions are most welcome.
For "pill shaped products": of any type for any use for any creature or plant or things (non medical suggestions):

Options depending on type of "pill blister pack" and how many you need to take out:

(I do this often and it works well)
1. If the back of the "pill blister pack is solid even metallic foil", (punch out or press out pills) and you especially if needing to remove all of them to put in a pill bottle, etc.
a) place on a thin towel on a desk or flat surface (in case a pill falls out so it doesn't roll on the floor).
b) Use a very fine point pen tip
c) hold firmly with one hand and then "draw" a circle around each pill depression.
The pen tip will cut into the foil and the pill is released.
d) turn over the foil pack and the pills will drop out. Tap for any stubborn ones or recut with pen tip.

2. If the "pill blister pack is very thick and precut into squares for each pill.
a) if it is meant to be torn at the perforations, then peeled back at pre made corner edges.
b) cut or tear at perforation
c) bend back and forth edge until plastic seperates
d) peel back to release pill

3. If needing to remove all the pills from "pill blister pack" #2
a) Use a sharp strong scissors to cut along the pills without breaking the pill
b) cut in another direction as well
c) peel back whatever backing remains and release pills

4. Last option which works very well and takes zero effort.
a) call spouse, or SO, or "significant other", or "partner", or "friend"
b) ask to get your pill

5. (cautions)
a) Sometimes pills are very brittle and even pressing them out breaks them. So, change method to match the pill type.


dis dis laimer: Many other methods to the above depending on creativity and experience, these are only a few.

Mango is tasty
j :D
Wiki Bogleheads Wiki: Everything You Need to Know
User avatar
celia
Posts: 16774
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:32 am
Location: SoCal

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by celia »

rob wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 6:16 pm Nail clippers... or a small child....
Please don’t use a child. That is giving him/her an experience that can lead to another one when you aren’t around.
Topic Author
Swansea
Posts: 1533
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:16 am

Re: Opening pill blister packs

Post by Swansea »

My thanks to all who responded. I tried a number of the suggestions and found that the nail clippers were easiest for me.
Post Reply