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Rethinking Prescription Labels A collaborative project involving the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy is focused on redesigning prescription labels to improve patient adherence. By Katie Gerhards
An older patient, who was beginning to experience dementia, also had perpetually restless legs, which would keep her from being able to fall asleep at night. The patient had a prescription for a medication to help quiet that disruptive feeling, but on the label— which read “take two tablets by mouth two to three hours before bed”—all she could see was the number “three.” The patient continually took three tablets. After speaking with the patient and physician, Nicole Sandberg, a pharmacist at Ballweg Family Pharmacy, decided to rewrite her prescription label to make it clearer for the patient to understand: “Take two tablets by mouth two hours before bed.” With only one number present, the label was easier for the patient to digest, and she was able to manage her medications more easily. Research shows that this experience is not uncommon, and patients themselves think it’s time for a change. A
recent survey of state residents by Wisconsin Health Literacy (WHL), a division of Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., found that 88 percent of respondents found current medication labels confusing, and 23 percent reported having taken a medication incorrectly because of confusing labeling. Mary Smith
“We want to get as many pharmacy partners as possible to modify their3/19/2019 labels using our toolkit or implementation guide,” said Mott. So far, 20 pharmacies have joined to redesign their labels. The project, now in its third phase, has been in progress since 2014 and has already improved patient Use only on your metrics. skin.
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Gently rub a thin layer of cream onto the Warning: Do not Opportunity in 2013 affected releasedskin a set of standards for put in eyes. Do not to Improve at bedtime. swallow. patient-centered prescription medicaLabels Filled: 1/2/2018 tion labels, General Chapter 17 in USP’s During early focus groups with the Fluocinonide Cream USP, 0.1% Expires: formulary, which focus on readability public, “we 12/26/2019 frequently heard that there and clarity. To date, Utah is the only is just too much on the label for pastate toRefills: have3 formally adoptedFriendly the Pharmacy tients to understand, so they don’t even 608-555-5555 Qty: 30 grams RX 2315648913 Main St. Dr. James standards. ButHill a project led by123 WisDistributor: Rebel Anytown, WI 22222 bother to look,” said Mott. “Because consin Health Literacy with a range of they aren’t looking, they don’t know collaborators, including University of how to take their medications, and Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharma- then a lot of times they just end up not cy Professor Dr. David Mott, is paving taking it at all.” the way to get all Wisconsin pharmaThe USP guidelines address a lot of cies on board by creating a framework 3/19/2019 that feedback by suggesting simplified for implementation, which can help language, in the patient’s preferred out-of-state pharmacies improve their language when possible; improved labels, too.
NOTE: This is a “non-compliant” label example
MARY SMITH 1000 Maple Street, Anytown, WI 22222
6/12/2018
608-222-2222 RX: 023156456
TAKE ONE TABLET BY MOUTH ONCE DAILY MFG: Teva USA
ATENOLOL 100 MG Tab Qty: 60 Refill (01) time until 12/25/2018 RPh: CS White round Dr. Olivia Van Beek Copay $13.97 Discard after 3/25/2019
MEDICATION SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH PLENTY OF WATER
NDC: 0254-0261-03
CAUTION: Federal law prohibits transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom prescribed.
Friendly Pharmacy 608-555-5555 123 Main Street Anytown, WI 22222
Mary Smith Warning: It is very important that you take or use this exactly as directed. Do not skip doses or discontinue unless directed by your doctor. Call your doctor about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. May cause dizziness
Take 2 puffs by mouth 10 minutes before exercise. Ventolin HFA 90mcg Inhaler
Shake the inhaler well before each spray. Rinse mouth with water after use. Fill date: 5/6/2018 Expires: 4/29/2018
Qty: 200 metered inhalations; Dr. Mia Stephens Refills: 1
Friendly Pharmacy 608-555-5555 123 Main Street Anytown, WI 22222
inhalations Rx: 235604235
A redesigned label template created through a Wisconsin Health Literacy collaboration includes a cleaner layout with large font and white space.
Academic Pharmacy NOW 2020 Issue 1
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