Find out how standardization, printing technologies, and legislation will have an impact on pharmaceutical labels in the coming year.
By Kathy Magyar
The prescription-labeling industry evolves continuously. From advancing technology to improving regulations, prescription labelers must be educated about the ongoing changes and look for solutions to improve prescription-labeling safety as required by the prescription-labeling industry.
In 2012, the industry can expect even more changes in printed prescription labels. Because the increased elderly population finds labels difficult to read and many patients think the labeling system is too complex, demands for improved labeling are increasing.
Label standardization
To increase patient safety, the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention drafted a proposal to standardize label regulations, which could be the first standardized requirements ever established specifically for prescription labels. The proposal suggests that each label include 12-pt font size, prioritized information, clear descriptions, and additional white space. The overarching problem is whether or not stakeholders can bear the burden of these changes, because along with these standard requirements comes a series of necessary adaptations.
As for the labeling industry, the problems are most likely minimal and will not affect the quality of labels produced by suppliers and converters. The adjustment to the changes simply requires suppliers and converters to be able to have enough material to support the changes. The larger font sizes and additional white space increase the amount of label material needed, which results in increased manufacturing capacity.
Because pharmacies must conform to the changes, purchasing larger labels from suppliers and converters will most likely become a bigger burden on their budgets. Although these are minor adjustments, the changes could take a toll on the parties involved.
Larger labels and clearer descriptions for prescription labels are the latest priorities, but the question is: Are they the only changes scheduled for prescription labels in the future?
Labeling technology
Prior to the new label regulations, the prescription-labeling industry already witnessed a series of changes, leading pharmacies to change from toner fusion printing to direct thermal printing. In the future, a possible shift from direct thermal to another print-on-demand technology could also occur. The important thing for all parties involved to remember is that all print methods available for prescription labeling today have their challenges. It becomes a tradeoff for the pharmacy based on what is most important.
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