Apparatus and methods for accessing packaged medicaments

An apparatus for opening a blister-type package, comprising:

• a holder having a holder body comprising an internal surface defining an opening in the holder body, the holder further comprising a first receiving surface opposing a second receiving surface across the opening, wherein the opening is sized to receive a blister-portion of a blister-type package having a flange connected to the blister-portion, wherein the receiving surface is configured to receive corresponding opposing portions of the flange;
• a plunger movably connected to the holder, wherein the plunger comprises a plunger surface;
• a severing device connected to the plunger and relatively movable with respect to the opening into and out of a severing position, wherein the severing device in the severing position is operable to separate at least a part of the blister-portion from the blister-type package;
• and
• a securing component connectable to the holder and movable between a first open position and a second closed position, the securing component having a first securing surface connected to a second securing surface by a recessed surface, wherein the securing component in the second closed position is operable to generate a clamping force between the first securing surface and the first receiving surface and between the second securing surface and the second receiving surface and the recessed surface is spaced away from the holder;
• and wherein the holder body comprises a first surface and a second surface defining a holder thickness, wherein the internal surface of the holder comprises at least one wall within the holder thickness, wherein the severing position of the severing device is within the holder thickness at the opening, and wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface are movable against the plunger surface.