Using your disposable weekly medication tray

Single-use weekly medication trays are available from McKay Pharmacy for 30p each.

They may be suitable if you can organise and manage your own medication, or if a family member or representative can fill the tray for you.

Please speak to our pharmacy team before collecting a tray. We can check whether it is suitable for your medicines and explain which items should remain in their original packaging.

How to fill your tray

1. Choose a quiet, well-lit area. Make sure your hands and the tray are clean and dry.
2. Have all your current medicines and an up-to-date medication list beside you. Always follow the instructions on the pharmacy labels.
3. Check the days and dosage times shown on the tray. Only prepare one week at a time.
4. Fill one medicine at a time. Place the correct dose into the compartment for the appropriate day and time.
5. Return each medicine to its original box before moving on to the next one. This helps prevent medicines from becoming mixed up.
6. When the full week has been prepared, carefully check every compartment against your medication list and the labels on the original packs.
7. Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, remove the backing from the adhesive seal and place it carefully over the filled tray.
8. Press the seal firmly around each compartment and along the outside edges. Once sealed, the medication should only be accessible by opening the appropriate compartment.
9. Store the tray in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture, children and pets.

Medicines that should be kept separately

Not every medicine is suitable for placing in a weekly tray. The following will normally need to remain in their original packaging:

• Liquids
• Inhalers
• Creams and ointments
• Eye or ear drops
• Patches
• Medicines taken only when required
• Medicines affected by light or moisture for example dispersible medication

Our pharmacy team can explain which of your medicines should be kept separately.

Medication changes

If a doctor, hospital or another healthcare professional changes your medication, do not guess how to alter the tray.

Check the new instructions carefully and contact the pharmacy if you are unsure. You may need to empty and refill the tray to avoid taking a medicine that has been stopped or the wrong dose.

If you miss a dose

Do not take a double dose unless a healthcare professional has specifically instructed you to do so. Check the medicine information or ask your pharmacist for advice.

Important information

• Keep all original medicine boxes and pharmacy labels while using the tray.

• The tray is for single use only. Do not attempt to wash, refill or reuse it.

• The tray is not child-resistant.

• The tray is filled, sealed, checked and managed by you or your chosen representative. McKay Pharmacy supplies the tray but does not fill or check it.