What is a dosette box?

What is a dosette box?

A Dosette box is a plastic tray with small compartments to organise your medicines, helping you to take the correct medication at the correct times. A pharmacist may provide you with a dosette box if you have a complicated medication regime. Dosette boxes are also great for anyone who struggles to open child-proof medication bottles or for those caring for a loved one who requires regular medication.

How do you spell it? 

There are different ways of spelling dosette with Google giving various forms. The small plastic tray, used for storing medication, can be referred to as a dosette, dossette, dossete, dosete and dosett.

Why is it called a dosette box?

Dosette is the French term used to describe a pod or a capsule (a sealed, single-serving pack of a product). Dosette boxes are also known as trays, blister packs or multi-compartment compliance aids.

How do you use a dosette box? 

Times of the day and days of the week are labelled clearly on the dosette box. The box can come as either a plastic tray or a large blister pack. To take the correct medication, simply find the day and time on the dosette box and take it out of the tray or push the blister. The best way to use a dosette box is to integrate it into the person’s daily routine. Keep your dosette box in a prominent location and take your medication at fixed points in the day.

Keeping your medicine organised can reduce the risk of missing prescriptions and medication. We have listed some ways to keep your medicine organised:

• Make sure all medicines are kept in one place in the home. This can be in a drawer or cupboard.
• Ensure your prescriptions are dispensed on time so you do not run out.
• If you find it difficult to get out of the house ask your pharmacy if they offer home service.
• Ask your GP to email the pharmacy directly.

What can’t you put in a dosette box? 

Dosette boxes are not suitable for all medicines. The pharmacist who dispenses your medicines will assess your situation to determine whether you may benefit from a dosette box or other support. The assessment will include asking questions about your medicines, eyesight, ability to open medicines from the container and your memory regarding ordering and taking your medicines.

Medicines that may not be appropriate for a dosette box are:

• Medicines that are sensitive to moisture.
• Medicines that are sensitive to light.
• Medicines that require refrigerated storage.
• Large tablets that are difficult to fit into a compartment in the dosette box.
• Liquid medicines.
• Buccal and sublingual tablets that should not be swallowed whole.

Who qualifies for a dosette box?

The Dosette Box service is free of charge and is available to anyone who is taking 4 or more NHS repeat prescriptions. Many pharmacies offer a Monitored Dosage System (MDS) which is a method of dispensing your medication so you can keep track of what medicines need to be taken. This will be supplied to the patient on a weekly basis or as specified by the prescriber. Having your medicine dispensed through an MDS will make medication management much easier for you, your carers, or anyone else who helps you with your medication.

Dosette boxes are not always available for free on the NHS and they are not suitable for every type of medicine. You should contact your pharmacist for further information on whether a dosette box would be suitable for you.

Learn more about care at home

As we get older, many of us will find ourselves having to take regular medication for long-term health issues. Using simple organisation tools, you can stay on top of your daily routine and ensure you take your medication safely.

At Cavendish Homecare, our carer and nurses can help your loved ones with everyday activities such as taking the correct dosages of medication. Email us directly at info@cavendishhomecare.com or call us on 020 3008 5210 to learn more about our private homecare services. Alternatively, you can learn more about us, our services, browse our Frequently Asked Questions or view our range of case studies from some very appreciative customers.