​Although labelling is rarely a cause of medication errors, the guidelines provide flexible guidance for best practice by pharmaceutical manufacturers. All labels currently comply with rigorously enforced UK and European legislation.

“While the ABPI supports all initiatives based on good evidence that improve patient safety, it is important that these guidelines are not taken as the complete answer to a problem that has many causes,” said Andrew Curl, Deputy Director General of the ABPI.

Good labelling and packaging are among a number of factors that can help reduce medication errors, but the ABPI stressed that it is essential that vigilance is maintained at all stages of the dispensing and administration process. The guidance needs to be applied pragmatically, especially in the case of smaller containers where space on the label is limited.

The pharmaceutical industry always co-operates with the regulatory authorities over any proposals on how to reduce the risk of errors, and will continue to do so.

For further information, please contact: ABPI Press Office 020 7747 1410