The popularity of “the Pill” created a new market for pharmaceutical companies. For the first time, healthy women would be taking medication for an extended period of time. Pill manufacturers developed unique packaging in order to distinguish their product from those of their competitors and build brand loyalty. Packaging design often incorporated a “memory aid” to assist women in tracking their daily pill regimen, as well as styled cases to allow pills to be discreetly carried in bags and purses. The National Museum of American History’s Division of Medicine and Science’s collection of oral contraceptives illustrates some of the changes that the packaging and marketing of the Pill underwent from its inception in 1960 to the present.
Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. of Dundahera, Gurgaon, India, produced this Mala-N oral contraceptive in 1989. Mala-N came in a 28 pill blister pack (missing from the object) that was contained in a yellow paper envelope with pouch. The inside of the envelope contains instructions for use, and an instruction leaflet is inside the pouch.
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