Buzz
No matter where your prescription is filled, it’s likely to arrive in an orange bottle sealed with a child-proof white cap. But what’s the story behind this recognizable design, and why is it specifically chosen?
The distinctive orange color of modern prescription bottles is actually engineered to shield the pills inside from harmful ultraviolet rays. UV light, whether from the sun or other sources, can break down the chemical components of various medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing undesirable side effects. The color orange is particularly effective in blocking UV rays while still allowing enough visible light to make the contents visible through the plastic.
Certain medications demand even greater protection. Pills like Truvada and Descovy, which are used for HIV treatment and prevention, as well as any orally dissolving tablets, are highly sensitive to moisture. Even minimal exposure to ambient humidity during handling can diminish their effectiveness. If you’re prescribed one of these, you’ll typically receive a bottle directly from the manufacturer.
As for the cap, we owe it to Dr. Henri Breault for this life-saving creation. As the head of pediatrics at a Canadian hospital’s poison center in the 1950s, Breault was alarmed by the frequent cases of poisoning when children accessed prescriptions and other medications like aspirin. His efforts to tackle this issue led to the development of the “Palm N’ Turn” cap in 1967, which required an adult’s dexterity to push down and twist. In 1970, the United States passed the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, mandating these caps and reducing fatalities in children under five by 1.4 per million.
There’s a practical reason behind the widespread use of orange bottles: Different individuals require varying amounts of the same medication. Pharmacies typically buy medications in bulk, so their containers aren’t ideal for single prescriptions. It’s more efficient for pharmacists to count the precise number of pills needed for each person’s specific prescription and package them individually.
Once you’ve finished your prescription, you don’t have to toss the orange bottle in the trash. While many local recycling programs don’t accept No. 5 plastic—what the pill bottles are made from—you can often donate them to those in need. For instance, Matthew 25: Ministries runs a project that sends donated bottles to developing countries, improving their access to medical supplies. Some animal shelters also accept pill bottles for pets requiring medications. Just be sure to remove any personal details from the containers before donating. Here are additional ways to repurpose your old orange pill bottles.
