An apparatus (10) by means of which pharmaceutical products (1) in the form of tablets, hard gelatin capsules or the like are retained, and positioned, in a packaging installation (100), having a carrier element (11) which has a multiplicity of format-dependent holders (27) for the products (1), wherein the carrier element (11) can be fastened on a conveying apparatus (12) of the packaging installation (100), and comprising a retaining element (30) in operative connection with the carrier element (11), the retaining element having, for each product (1), a respective clamping element (32) in alignment with a respective holder (27), and wherein the retaining element (30) is arranged for movement between two positions in relation to the carrier element (11) such that, in a first position, in order for the products (1) to be introduced into the holders (27) or discharged therefrom, clamping elements (32) are not in contact with the products (1), and that, in a second position, clamping elements (32) fix the products (1) in the holders (27).