Drug labeling and its impact on patient safety

Abstract

Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with significant potential to harm a patient [13]. Often times, ADE occur due to inadequate or ineffective systems of labeling. These ADE often result in mistakes in prescription adherence (compliance) with the prescription instructions. These mistakes are costly and can be deadly. Potential problems with drug labeling can occur in both in-patient and out-patient environments. This paper discusses some of the key issues to consider in drug labeling and its impact on patient safety.