Special Characters in the SIG

When auto-dispensing to a PacMed, SynMed, or VBM device, special characters can be entered at the beginning of the prescription SIG to convey special instructions. Refer to Table 1 for the characters that can be used.

When processing prescriptions destined for Central Fill, special characters can be entered at the beginning of the prescription SIG to convey special instructions. Refer to Table 1 for the characters that can be used.

Table 1. SIG special characters and when to use them for prescriptions transmitting to PacMed, SynMed, or VBM.

Table 1. SIG special characters and when to use them for Central Fill prescriptions.

Special Characters at the Front of the SIG When to Use
!x!

If you need the medication to print on reports but not be packaged.

This is used in combination with the CF Print Only flag.
!y!

If the medication has special instructions. The special instructions should be entered in the SIG. For example, a SIG could be entered as "!y! Take 1 tablet daily but split tablet in 2 before placing in blister."
@@

If the medication needs to be added to another pack. For example, a patient prefers bisphosphonates to be packaged separately from other medications.

  • @@ = second pack

  • @1@ = third pack

  • @2@ = fourth pack

  • etc.