The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7162 p251-255
25 August 2001

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CSM wants “number plate” system for medicines labelling

The Committee on Safety of Medicines is proposing that the packaging of all medicines should carry information in a standard format or “number plate” to allow patients and health care professionals to check drug and dosage details quickly.

The CSM also wants the packaging and labels of medicines to be redesigned so that products are more individually identifiable. Pharmaceutical companies should undertake user testing of labelling to ensure it is understandable, the CSM says.

The CSM’s proposals have been prepared by an expert working group, chaired by Dr Robert Calvert, FRPharmS, which was initially set up to look into problems associated with the incorrect administration of vincristine and other vinca alkaloids. The group looked at labelling and packaging of cytotoxics, other products supplied in small containers, and products for which there have been reports of incorrect administration that could have arisen as a result of unclear labelling.

The Medicines Control Agency has issued a consultation document [MLX 275] on the CSM’s proposals. This can be found on the MCA’s website (www.mca.gov.uk). Comments are sought by 14 November. The Pharmaceutical Journal will be analysing the CSM’s report next week.

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