According to a report by the National Academy of Medicine, more than two-thirds of adverse drug reactions occurring due to medication errors are considered preventable i.e. about 1.5 million cases annually. There can be several causes for these medication errors; often times, these preventable ADEs result from inadequate or ineffective labeling. Studies have shown that variability in drug labeling and the use of certain terminology can adversely affect a patient’s understanding of medication instructions. These errors represent a major burden on the healthcare system. Potential problems with drug labeling can occur in both in-patient and out-patient environments.
This session aims to navigate this important area where medication errors happen in cases where it can be preventable by simple measures. With the use of case studies and examples from the real-world, this session intends to highlight the ways in which medication errors can be minimized using Best Labeling Practices adopted by the regulatory labeling professionals. The presenter plans to cover aspects of labeling which can contribute to errors in prescribing the medication correctly. In addition, the presenter will also discuss current thinking and practices adopted by the major Health Authorities such as Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency in preventing medication errors.
Learning Objectives:
Understand common medication errors and their causes.
Describe measures to minimize medication errors by improving communication through good labeling practices.
Demonstrate key role of health authorities and industries to maximize the safe use of medication by communicating effectively.