How to Package High-Value Prescription Drugs for Safe Shipping

Shipping prescription drugs, especially high-value medications, requires careful consideration to ensure the integrity of the product is maintained throughout transit. Many of these medications can be temperature-sensitive or fragile, so proper packaging is essential. To protect your high-value prescription drugs and ensure they’re eligible for ShipSimple Shipping Insurance, follow this step-by-step guide, and document each stage with clear photos to support a potential insurance claim.

Step 1: Gather Packaging Materials
To ship prescription drugs safely, especially those of high value, you'll need to gather specific materials:

• Original Packaging: Always keep medications in their original containers to avoid damage and maintain proper labeling.
• Temperature-Controlled Packaging: If the medication requires refrigeration or a specific temperature range, gather insulated cooler boxes, gel packs, or dry ice.
• Bubble Wrap or Foam Sheets: For cushioning to prevent the medication from shifting or being damaged during transit.
• Tamper-Evident Seals: For added security and to ensure the package hasn’t been opened during transit.
  Double-Walled Shipping Box: Use a sturdy box that’s crush-resistant and suitable for protecting sensitive medications.
• Waterproof Bags or Wrapping: To protect against moisture in case of temperature changes or external conditions.
• Packing Tape: Strong packing tape for sealing the package.
• Fragile and “Perishable” Labels: Clearly label the package with handling instructions for fragile and/or temperature-sensitive items.

Take a photo: Before starting the packaging process, take a picture of the materials to show that proper supplies are being used.

Step 2: Keep Medications in Original Packaging
For safety, compliance, and ease of use, it’s critical that you keep prescription drugs in their original packaging, including pill bottles, blister packs, or injectables with syringes. The original packaging helps protect the medications from contamination and damage, and it also includes the necessary labeling information.

Take a photo: Snap a picture of the medications in their original packaging to document this step.

Step 3: Protect Against Impact
Wrap the original medication packaging in bubble wrap or foam sheets to protect it from any impact during shipping. For particularly fragile items like glass vials or liquid medications, wrap with additional cushioning.
Secure the bubble wrap with tape to ensure it stays in place.

Take a photo: Take a picture of the medication after it has been wrapped in bubble wrap or foam.

Step 4: Temperature-Controlled Packaging (if Required)
If the prescription medication needs to stay within a specific temperature range (e.g., refrigerated or frozen medications), you’ll need to use insulated packaging and cold packs:

• For refrigerated medications: Use a thermal insulated cooler box, along with gel packs or ice packs to keep the temperature cool.
• For frozen medications: Use dry ice, following shipping regulations for handling dangerous goods.
  Ensure the medication is not in direct contact with ice packs or dry ice; use a layer of bubble wrap or foam to keep them separated.
• Place a temperature monitor inside the package if necessary to track temperature during transit.

Take a photo: Document the medication inside the temperature-controlled packaging before sealing.

Step 5: Waterproof the Packaging
To protect against moisture or leaks, place the medication in a waterproof bag or wrap it with waterproof materials. This is especially important for temperature-sensitive medications that are being shipped with ice packs or dry ice, which may produce condensation.

Take a photo: Take a picture of the medication once it’s been secured in a waterproof layer.

Step 6: Prepare the Shipping Box
Line the bottom of the sturdy, double-walled shipping box with a layer of foam sheets or packing peanuts to provide additional cushioning.

• Place the wrapped and protected medication in the center of the box.
• Add more cushioning around the medication to prevent any movement inside the box. Be sure to add extra padding at the top and bottom of the box.

Take a photo: Capture a picture of the medication placed securely in the box, with cushioning material filling any empty spaces.

Step 7: Seal and Label the Package
Seal the shipping box with strong packing tape, ensuring all seams are tightly sealed. Apply tamper-evident seals if necessary, especially if shipping controlled substances.
Clearly label the package as “Fragile” and “Perishable” if it contains temperature-sensitive medications.
If dry ice is being used, apply the required hazardous materials labeling.

Take a photo: Photograph the sealed and labeled package before sending it for shipping.

Step 8: Document and Track
Make sure to document each step with clear photos, as this will be important if you need to file a claim. Keep track of the shipping process and ensure you have all necessary tracking information on hand.

By following these steps, you can ensure the safe and secure transport of high-value prescription medications. Proper packaging combined with thorough documentation will give you the peace of mind that your shipment is well-protected and eligible for ShipSimple Shipping Insurance coverage.