Giant-Landover Rolls Out Rx Timer Cap

To help its customers take their medications properly, Landover, Md.-based Giant Food LLC has introduced the Rx Timer Cap, which fits standard prescription containers and comes with either child-resistant closures or as a twist-off for seniors. For a limited time, all Giant Food stores are offering one free Rx Timer Cap through an in-store coupon promotion at each location's pharmacy.

The device enables customers to know exactly how long it's been since their last dose, as compared with directions on prescription labels, which tell patients only how often they need to take their medication. With a built-in LCD timer, Rx Timer Cap works like a stopwatch, keeping track of the hours and minutes since the container was last opened. Every time the cap is opened, the timer resets to zero, and when the cap is closed, the timer automatically begins counting the hours and minutes since the medication was last taken. There are no alarms to program or buttons to press, and the device works with any prescription medication.

No More Multidosing

"The Rx Timer Cap is a fantastic, easy-to-use health care tool that is beneficial to all customers who need to take prescription medication, irrespective of age," said Gayle Shields, Giant’s director, pharmacy operations. "The chance of missing a dose, or multidosing, is significantly reduced using this cap."

Customers can buy additional Rx Timer Caps for $2.99 each.

According to the World Health Organization, the current top health care problem is poor medication adherence, which results in deteriorating health, further medical treatment and potentially unnecessary hospitalizations.

An Ahold USA banner, Giant operates 169 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, employing about 20,000 associates.