Pharmaceuticals Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is Iowa's capital and one of America's great mid-sized cities — the insurance capital of the United States, home to Principal Financial, Meredith Corporation, and dozens of major financial and media companies, a nationally recognized restaurant scene that has earned James Beard Award nominations, and a tech startup ecosystem energized by Drake and Iowa State's research output. My Custom Boxes serves Des Moines' financially sophisticated and creatively vibrant business community with premium custom packaging that meets the city's growing ambitions.
Why Des Moines Businesses Choose Us
Why Choose Us for Pharmaceuticals Packaging
Custom Pharmaceutical Packaging | FDA-Compliant Drug Cartons for OTC and Rx Products
Pharmaceutical packaging operates under the most stringent regulatory framework of any consumer goods category -- FDA 21 CFR labeling regulations, state pharmacy board requirements, PPPA child-resistant packaging requirements, and serialization requirements under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) all create a compliance landscape where packaging errors have regulatory consequences. Pharmaceutical packaging must be designed, specified, and produced with the same rigor as the drug product itself.
OTC Drug Labeling Requirements
Over-the-counter drug products require the Drug Facts panel in the format specified by FDA 21 CFR Part 201 -- a standardized panel presenting active ingredients, uses, warnings, directions, and inactive ingredients in a prescribed order and format. The Drug Facts panel format is mandatory and cannot be modified for design purposes. OTC drug carton packaging must also carry the required tamper-evident feature statement, the lot number and expiration date, and the principal display panel with product name, dosage form, and net quantity.
Serialization and Track-and-Trace
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requires that prescription drug products bear a product identifier -- a 2D datamatrix barcode encoding the National Drug Code, serial number, lot number, and expiration date -- on each individual saleable unit. This serialization requirement creates specific packaging print quality and placement requirements for the 2D datamatrix code. The code must be human-readable (lot number and expiration date in adjacent text) and machine-readable (2D barcode scannable by track-and-trace systems throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain).
Drug Facts Panel Compliance on OTC Packaging
The Drug Facts panel is a mandatory FDA-prescribed labeling element for all OTC drug products sold in the United States. FDA 21 CFR Part 201.66 specifies the exact format -- including the panel heading, the sequential presentation of active ingredients, uses, warnings, directions, other information, and inactive ingredients -- and the minimum type sizes for each element. The Drug Facts panel cannot be modified for aesthetic or space reasons; if the panel does not fit on the available label area, the label area must be enlarged or the product reconsidered for OTC drug status. Our pharmaceutical packaging dieline templates pre-position the Drug Facts panel with all required elements in FDA-compliant format.
DSCSA Serialization for Prescription Drug Packaging
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act requires prescription drug product serialization -- each individual saleable unit must bear a 2D datamatrix barcode encoding the National Drug Code, a unique serial number, the lot number, and the expiration date. The 2D datamatrix code must be printed at a minimum size and contrast that ensures scannability by track-and-trace systems at each point in the supply chain. Adjacent human-readable text must display the lot number and expiration date for manual verification. Print quality for pharmaceutical serialization 2D codes requires verification against GS1 Print Quality Guideline specifications.
Quick Overview
- Products
- 14 types
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Location
- Des Moines, IA
Recommended Finishes
Industries in Des Moines
Affordable sample kits available
Industries We Serve in Des Moines
We provide specialized packaging to a wide range of industries in Des Moines, IA.
Compliance & Safety
OTC drug packaging must comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 201 (labeling) and 21 CFR Part 211 (GMP for finished pharmaceuticals). Drug Facts panel must comply with 21 CFR Part 201.66. PPPA child-resistant requirements apply to most oral prescription drugs and many OTC categories. DSCSA serialization applies to prescription drug products. State pharmacy board requirements may impose additional packaging obligations.
Recommended Box Styles
Popular packaging styles for pharmaceuticals businesses.
Tuck End Boxes
The most versatile folding carton style — tuck flaps on both ends create a clean, secure closure for retail and consumer goods packaging
Sleeve Boxes
Two-piece inner tray and outer sleeve construction creating a controlled sliding reveal for premium product presentation
Folding Cartons
Flat-folded paperboard cartons that erect into boxes at the point of filling — the industry standard for consumer goods retail packaging
Reverse Tuck End Boxes
Tuck end carton where top flap tucks toward the back and bottom flap tucks toward the front — optimized for automated packing lines
Popular Box Styles in Des Moines
Packaging styles popular with Des Moines businesses.
Available Finishes
Enhance your pharmaceuticals packaging with premium finishes.
Pharmaceuticals Packaging in Nearby Cities
We serve pharmaceuticals businesses across Iowa.
Other Industries in Des Moines
Explore more industry-specific packaging solutions available in Des Moines, IA.
Pharmaceuticals Packaging in Des Moines — FAQs
What FDA labeling is required on pharmaceutical cartons?
OTC drug cartons require the Drug Facts panel in FDA 21 CFR Part 201.66 prescribed format, the principal display panel with product name and net quantity, tamper-evident feature and required tamper-evident statement, lot number and expiration date, and manufacturer information. Prescription drug cartons have different labeling requirements under 21 CFR Part 201 including full prescribing information reference and carton labeling elements specified by the approved NDA or ANDA.
Does pharmaceutical packaging require child-resistant closures?
PPPA requires child-resistant packaging for most oral prescription drugs and many OTC drugs including those containing aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and iron above specified thresholds. Senior-friendly CR alternatives are available for some product categories. CR requirements are product-specific -- the PPPA applicability for a specific drug product should be confirmed during packaging specification.
What is DSCSA serialization and does it apply to my product?
DSCSA serialization applies to prescription drug products as defined under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act. Each individual prescription drug saleable unit must bear a product identifier -- a 2D datamatrix barcode encoding the NDC, serial number, lot number, and expiration date. OTC drug products are not subject to DSCSA serialization requirements. Biological products have separate but related serialization requirements.
What board grade is standard for pharmaceutical cartons?
SBS GC1 virgin fiber board is the pharmaceutical carton standard because FDA and EMA regulatory frameworks for drug packaging materials prefer virgin fiber board without recycled content contamination concerns. SBS GC1's consistent surface quality also supports the print registration accuracy required for DSCSA serialization 2D code compliance.
What is the minimum order for custom pharmaceutical packaging?
Our minimum order is 100 units for custom pharmaceutical packaging. FDA Drug Facts panel dieline templates and DSCSA serialization placement specifications are included in the standard setup process for pharmaceutical packaging orders.
Do you serve Des Moines' insurance and financial community?
Yes. Des Moines' major insurance companies and financial firms use our corporate packaging for gifting programs and branded materials.
What Des Moines metro areas do you deliver to?
We deliver free throughout Polk County including all Des Moines neighborhoods, plus Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, and all surrounding metro communities.
Do you serve Des Moines' food and restaurant community?
Yes. Des Moines' nationally recognized food scene uses our retail boxes and branded packaging for retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
How long does delivery take to Des Moines?
Production is 10–14 business days from proof approval, then 2–3 days ground shipping to Des Moines.
Pharmaceuticals Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Get a free quote with competitive pricing, free shipping, and 2-3 week turnaround.