If you care for an elderly person, you probably organize their medication on a weekly, or even daily, basis. Medical treatments help us strengthen the health of the elderly, but sometimes it can be difficult to follow them strictly.

For this reason, the pharmacy SPD system, also known as the Personalized Dispensing System, was launched. This is a service that helps older people who take medication daily. Requesting it is very simple, we explain how in this article.

Learn more about medication organization systems with our free guide.

What is a pharmacy SPD?

When we talk about SPD, we refer to the organization of daily doses in a weekly blister or individual envelopes. It is always done in a pharmacy, so it is a safe and practical method when caring for the elderly and dependent people.

In addition, it also allows better management of information about medications and patients, and can be integrated with other medical systems to improve the safety and efficiency of drug treatment.

Who can apply for an SPD?

Any polypharmacy patient who is currently following a treatment prescribed by their doctor can request the organization of pills through the pharmacy SPD service.

The main patients are usually:

  • Polymedicated people with 5 or more drugs daily.
  • Chronic patients that require prolonged treatment of various medications.
  • Dependent or elderly people with difficulty organizing their medication.

When caring for an elderly or dependent person, family members are the ones who usually organize the patient's medication. However, the fear of making mistakes or lack of time become a considerable obstacle.

This is why the pharmacy SPD has sparked interest among patients, family members, and professional caregivers.

On the other hand, we must bear in mind that this service will be carried out as long as the medication includes pills or formats compatible with the weekly blister or pharmacy SPD sachets. Otherwise, we recommend asking the healthcare provider what alternatives we can request.

Can I request the SPD through Social Security?

Social security plays an important role in managing medication, but does not subsidize pharmacy SPD.

Therefore, it is a private service. The pharmacy will be in charge of organizing the pills in its pharmacy office, and who will establish the prices.

If you are concerned about the cost of this service,At IMA Health we help you find those pharmacies near you that carry out the SPD format at no cost.


Does the pharmacy organize medication in SPD format?

Who better than a pharmacist to organize your pills? Pharmacies are the only places authorized to carry out SPDs, so your medication will always be in the best hands.

    • You will always have the advice of a professional to help you with any questions
    • The preparation will always be carried out by qualified pharmacists
    • It will be carried out in pharmacy offices (an environment specially enabled for this)
    • You will help reinforce therapeutic adherence

How to request your SPD at the pharmacy?

Receiving medication organized in pharmacy SPD format is very simple, you will only have to follow the steps presented below. Please note that this is an indicative procedure, since each pharmacy may establish specific requirements.

    1. Contact IMA to find out which collaborating pharmacies arenear your home.

    2. You will receive a call from the pharmacythat you have chosen to discuss the medical plan. and advise you.

    3. The pharmacist will proceed to organize your medication,including those parapharmacy products or non-prescription medication that you wish to include.

    4. Once organized and delivered, Follow the instructions on the weekly blister or sachet.

You must keep in mind that this system is individual, and each patient will have their own pharmacy SPD to avoid confusion or overmedication.

Can I receive organized medication at home?

With the network of IMA collaborating pharmacies, in addition to having the medication organized and ready for the entire week, You can also receive the SPD at your doorstep.

Remember that no pharmacy will cover the costs of your medication or possible co-payments. If your medical plan is covered by Social Security, you will not have to pay anything.

Disclaimer: At IMA we offer advice and information about our products. Consult with an expert before making any decision that may affect your health.