There is an estimated 1 million adverse drug events each year in the United States due to the misuse of medications.  For the most part, patients obtain information on any particular medication from the prescription container label, notwithstanding the availability of other information in writing or provided in conversation with a pharmacist.

Even though these labels have certain legal requirements, it does not always translate well for the patient. According to United States Pharmacopeia (USP), historical studies have shown that 46% of patients misunderstood one or more dosage instructions, and 56% misunderstood one or more auxiliary warnings. This number drops even further in patients with limited literacy skills, and in some cases may increase the likelihood of misinterpretation by 34 times.

USP recommends language on medication labels that is clear, simplified, concise, and familiar. It should also be standardized, using only common terms and sentences, not Latin or other unfamiliar words.  Even the actual formatting should be carefully considered, and USP makes the following recommendations:

• Labels should utilize high-contrast print
• Use simple and familiar fonts, large enough for especially critical information
• Provide adequate white space between lines of text (preferably horizontal text)
• Whenever possible, minimize the need to turn the container
• Never truncate important information.
• Limit the number of colors used for highlighting, especially since this feature may include live saving information

USP has requested comments through the end of March before it finalizes any new regulations. USP’s full report can be seen HERE.

[audio:http://hospitalstay.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/06-The-Dope-Show.mp3|titles=The Dope Show]

Additional Source: Wall Street Journal Website