July 15, 2016: Improved labelling and packaging will minimize the risk of confusion and harmful medication mistakes
New guidance released by Health Canada will help improve the safe use of health products by making product labels easier for consumers and health professionals to read and understand.Two new "Good Label and Package Practices" guides, one for non-prescription (i.e. over-the-counter) drugs and natural health products, and the other for prescription drugs, provide manufacturers with direction for designing clear and effective health product labels and packages.
The guides were developed collaboratively by Health Canada and ISMP Canada, in consultation with stakeholders and an expert panel of Canadian healthcare and patient safety professionals. The guides are an important milestone in Health Canada's Plain Language Labelling Initiative.
• Good Label and Package Practices Guide for Prescription Drugs
• Good Label and Package Practices Guide for Non-prescription Drugs and Natural Health Products
