Errors in drug labeling and medico-legal awareness.

ABSTRACT

The importance of drug labels can not be overlooked. Many a times drug labels are missing which may lead to toxicological effects catastrophic accident and medico -legal implication. The objective of the present study was to learn and highlight the problems faced by the medical practitioner, pharmacist and the patients as regards to drug label it’s, medico- legal problems and suggest remedial measures. 55 medical practitioner of Government Medical College, Haldwani and 40 pharmacist of Haldwani town were surveyed through a questionnaire. The 90% of medical practitioners and 80% of pharmacist had faced problem with label related errors. None had been charged for malpraxis and negligence. Remedial measures suggested were barcoding (96%, 60%) colour coding, prefilled syringes (90%, 30%), increasing font sizes and more awareness about medico-legal liability, ethical issue and punishment. Drug label errors are an important cause of patient morbidity, mortality and medico-legal liabilities of medical practitioners. Improved and correct labeling understanding medico-legal importance and communication is the key element in minimising errors. Bar code generated labels, embossing, waterproof labels, improving quality of stickers, increasing font sizes, overcoming language barriers and sense of responsibility will readdress these deficiencies in services.