Labelling of Dispensed Medicines

                All medicines dispensed by a pharmacy or medical practitioner should be labeled with the following essential information:

a.           name of patient

b.          date of dispensing

c.           name and address of the pharmacy/medical practitioner

d.          trade name or common name of the medicine

e.           dosage per unit

f.            method and dosage of administration

g.           precaution where applicable

                The labels of the medicines should be read carefully by the patients. In general, the following should be noted:

a.           make sure the medicines are dispensed to the right patient

b.          precaution should be noted before taking the medicines

c.           medicines must be taken in accordance with the dosage direction

d.          labels should not be removed in case consultation with another medical professional is required

                For medicines to be used safely and effectively, the labelling of medicines and the compliance of patients are very important. Patients should consult their medical practitioner or pharmacist for information and advices on their medicines.

Feb 2004