Streamlining Considerations for Safety Measures: A Predictive Model for Addition of Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions to Japanese Drug Package Inserts.

The addition of clinically significant adverse reactions (CSARs) to Japanese package inserts (PIs) is an important safety measure that can be used to inform medical personnel of potential health risks; however, determining the necessity of their addition can be lengthy and complex. Therefore, we aimed to construct a machine learning-based model that can predict the addition of CSARs at an early stage due to the accumulation of both Japanese and overseas adverse drug reaction (ADR) cases. The target comprised CSARs added to PIs from August 2011 to March 2022. The control group consisted of drugs without the same CSARs in their PIs by March 2022. Features were generated using ADR case accumulation data obtained from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System databases. The model was constructed using DataRobot, and its performance evaluated using the Matthews correlation coefficient. The target for the addition of CSARs included 414 cases, comprising 302 due to domestic case accumulation, 22 due to both domestic and overseas case accumulation, 12 due to overseas case accumulation, and 78 due to revisions of the company core data sheet. The best model was a generalized linear model with informative features, achieving a cross-validation of 0.8754 and a holdout of 0.8995. In conclusion, the proposed model effectively predicted CSAR additions to PIs resulting from the accumulation of ADR cases using data from both Japan and the United States.

Bibliometric analysis of drug package insert adaptation for the elderly based on Web of Science / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the hotspots of aging adaptation of drug package inserts， and to provide evidence for the development of aging adaptation of drug package inserts in China. METHODS The relevant English literature on drug package inserts for the elderly published from 2012 to 2022 was retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection； bibliometric analysis was performed by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software， to explore research hotspots in this field， and summarize obstacles and solutions for the development of this field. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS This study collected a total of 335 literature related to the aging adaption of drug package inserts， from 819 research institutions in 51 countries （regions）， involving 2 174 authors. The research development of drug package insert adaptation for the elderly has slowed down in the past decade， and developed countries such as the United States and Japan dominate this field. Authors such as Wolf from Northwestern University in the United States， have the largest number of publications（12 literature）. The research focuses in this field include the risk management of medication for the elderly， the updating of medication information for the elderly in drug package inserts， and the understanding and compliance of the elderly with drug package inserts and their influencing factors. The solutions to related obstacles in the development of aging adaption in drug package inserts include improving the visibility and readability of drug package inserts， filling in the information on elderly medication in drug package inserts， and so on. China can learn from the experiences and methods of other countries， conduct investigations into the influencing factors of elderly package inserts and pharmacokinetic studies based on the characteristics of the Chinese population， and improve the safety of medication for elderly patients in multiple dimensions.

Predicting the Addition of Information Regarding Clinically Significant Adverse Drug Reactions to Japanese Drug Package Inserts Using a Machine-Learning Model.

PURPOSE: To develop a machine learning (ML)-based model for predicting the addition of clinically significant adverse reaction (CSAR)-associated information to drug package inserts (PIs) based on information of adverse drug reaction (ADR) cases during the post-marketing stage in Japan. METHODS: We collected data on CSARs added to PIs from August 2011 to March 2020. ADR cases that led to CSARs resulting in PI revisions were considered as a positive case, and ML was used to construct a binary classification model to predict the PI revisions. We selected 34 features based on the ADR aggregate data collected 6 months before PI revisions. Prediction performance was evaluated using the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). RESULTS: We found CSAR information added to PIs in 617 cases, 334 of which were due to the accumulation of domestic cases, and used only domestic case data for the prediction model. Among prediction models developed using several kinds of algorithms, the support vector machine with the radial basis function kernel with feature selection showed the highest predictive performance, having an MCC of 0.938 for the cross-validation and 0.922 for the test dataset. The feature with the highest importance in the model was the "average number of patients reported per quarter." CONCLUSION: Our model accurately predicted PI revisions using information on ADR cases that occurred 6 months before. This is the first ML model that can predict the necessary safety measures and is an efficient method for guiding the decision to adopt additional safety measures early.

Analysis of safety specifications in risk management plan at the time of drug approval and addition of clinically significant adverse reactions in the package insert post-approval in Japan.

Recently, post-marketing safety measures have been considered critical in Japan due to the globalization of drug development and the introduction of new drug approval systems. Pharmacists are expected to play an active role in ensuring the safety of drugs post-approval. Utilizing risk management plans (RMPs) to ensure safety throughout the development and post-marketing phases is becoming even more critical. In this study, we examine the relationship between the safety specifications (SSs) in RMPs at the time of drug approval and the adverse reactions (ARs) added to the clinically significant adverse reactions (CSARs) section of the package inserts (PIs) post-approval to determine whether SSs constitute useful drug information for pharmacists. The analysis included new active ingredient-containing drugs approved in Japan from FY2013 to 2019. A 2 × 2 contingency table was created and analyzed using odds ratios (ORs) and Fisher's exact test. The OR was 14.22 (95% CI: 7.85-24.77; p < .001), which indicates a strong relationship between the ARs being SSs at the time of approval and being added to the PIs as CSARs post-approval. The positive predictive value that SSs at the time of approval were added as CSARs to the PIs post-approval was 7.1%. In addition, a similar relationship was observed with the "approval in shorter-period drugs" reviewed for approval based on a limited number of clinical trials. Therefore, SSs in RMPs are important drug information for pharmacists in Japan.

Comparing the Dosing Period in Package Inserts of Antimicrobial Agents Between Japan and the United States.

Introduction: The duration of antimicrobial therapy is a critical evaluation index of antimicrobial stewardship (AS). The inclusion of the dosing period on package inserts provides a strong reason for clinical intervention by pharmacists in cases where physicians prescribe inappropriate dosing periods. This study investigated differences in the description of dosing periods in antimicrobial package inserts between Japan and the U.S. Methods: We conducted a survey comparing differences in the dosing period of oral and injectable antimicrobials approved and marketed in Japan and the U.S. as of May 1, 2021. The Fisher exact test was used to compare the presence or absence of a description of the dosing period on the package insert between these two countries. Results: We evaluated 69 antimicrobial agents, of which 34 were oral; and 35 were injectable agents. In Japan, 20 (29.0%) of the antimicrobials had package inserts stating the dosing periods, compared with 58 (84.1%) in the U.S. (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It was found that the information on the duration of administration was missing from the package insert in Japan compared to the U.S. Lack of information on the duration of administration may lead to long-term administration by the treating physician and also make it difficult for the pharmacist to inquire about the administration. It is expected that the inclusion of scientifically-based dosing periods in all package inserts will promote AS among physicians and pharmacists who are not specialists in infectious disease therapy.

Utility of patient information leaflet and perceived impact of its use on medication adherence.

BACKGROUND: Although patients frequently use patient information leaflets (PILs) to obtain information about medicine, their confidence in using it may be diminished after reading it. This study aimed to assess the public perception of PIL's quality and the perceived impact of its use on medication adherence. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study of 1,138 adult individuals in Saudi Arabia, April-May 2020, was conducted via Survey Monkey using an anonymous validated e-questionnaire. Data were collected on personal characteristics, PIL readership and preferences, perception towards PIL quality and impact of its use on taking medication, and reasons for not reading PIL. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant predictors of reading PIL. Significance was considered at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Nearly all participants (91.1%) reported reading PIL. The more read PIL's sections were directions of use (52.7%) and side effects (30.3%). Female gender (OR = 5.64, 95%CI: 3.53,9.02), age over 40 years (OR = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.69,4.64), and secondary education or more (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.06,2.85) were the significant predictors of reading PIL. The majority of PIL readers reported their preference for verbal information (65.8%), hard copy presentation (77%), adding graphics (71.1%), and concise content of PIL (68.8%). In addition, most participants reported PIL always/usually adds to their knowledge of medicines (70.6%) and said that PIL reading positively impacted their medication adherence (64.9%). For only 8.8%, PIL reading negatively impacted their adherence, primarily because of reading information on medicine's side effects and complications (74.4%). More than one-half of participants perceived the PIL quality as good/excellent in terms of; font size (51.3%), language comprehensiveness (64.9%), paper quality (68.0%), and general appearance (64.9%). Getting sufficient information from doctors and pharmacists was the main reason for not reading the PIL (59.2%). Most participants (92.5%) agreed on standardizing how information is displayed in the PIL among all PILs of all companies. CONCLUSION: PIL is read by nearly all the study sample, especially females, older, and educated subjects. It was perceived as beneficial in upgrading medication adherence. Effective designing of PILs should focus on patients' literacy level and age. Standardization of the PIL structure in all pharmaceutical companies is recommended.

Changes in Registration Status of Identification Codes on PMDA’s Information Search Site of Pharmaceuticals for Prescription / 医薬品情報学

The identification code of a drug is defined as “a code for identifying tablets, etc.” and is described in the “Composition/Properties” section of the package insert. We investigated whether the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) website, which allows users to search package insert information, can be used for drug identification using identification codes in 2019 before the new package insert guidelines were implemented, and in 2022, during the revision period. Approximately 30% of the investigated high-risk drugs were unidentifiable in both years. The most common reason was that images were used to register identification codes on the PMDA website, and character strings were not searchable. We then conducted a questionnaire survey of pharmaceutical companies, and only approximately half of the respondents opined that it would be preferable if the registration format for identification codes was established within the pharmaceutical industry. However, hospital pharmacists urged for more simplified identification of drugs on the PMDA website.

Study of Contraceptive Duration Described in the Information Materials of Prescription Drugs Requiring Contraception / 医薬品情報学

Objective: In the instructions for package inserts (PI) of prescription drugs revised in June 2017, the section “persons with reproductive potential” was established under “precautions concerning patients with specific backgrounds.” The description rules associated with contraceptive duration were modified in these. In this study, we investigated descriptions of contraceptive duration in PI that were prepared based on the revised instructions, interview forms (IF), and other proper use materials (PM).Methods: We collected PI, IF, and PM of prescription drugs containing a new active ingredient approved from April 2017 to March 2022 for which the PI were prepared based on the revised instructions and investigated descriptions of PI, contraceptive duration, and its evidence in each information material.Results: Of the 181 drugs studied, 43.1 and 12.7% required females and males to use contraception during the period of drug consumption, respectively. Among these, the ratio of drugs that had descriptions of contraceptive duration were 15.4 and 0% for females and males at PI, respectively; 51.3 and 39.1% for female sand males at IF, respectively. Anticancer drugstended to describe contraceptive duration in the PM rather than PI or IF. For some drugs, there was no description of contraceptive duration in any of the materials. Contraceptive durations ranged from the period of administration of that drug to over a year for females and approximately one week to six months for males. The reasons for these contraceptive durations were diverse.Conclusion: Contraceptive information in the PI based on revised instructions were not sufficient for use by healthcare workers, even when the IF and PM were confirmed. These results suggest that there is a need for standardizing the descriptions, types of materials to be described, and choice of evidence for contraceptive duration.

Investigation of the boxed warnings in package inserts of prescription medicines for medical professionals in Japan

Objective: In the Japanese Pharmacists Act, article 25-2, revised in 2013, it states that pharmacists shall provide the necessary information and guidance to the patient based on pharmaceutical knowledge and experience for ensuring the proper use of the medicine dispensed. The package insert is one of the documents to be referred to when providing the information and guidance. The boxed warnings in package inserts that include the precautions and responses are the most significant parts, however, the suitability of boxed warnings for pharmaceutical practice has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the boxed warning descriptions in package inserts of prescription medicines for medical professionals in Japan. Methods: Package inserts of prescription medicines listed in the Japanese National Health Insurance drug price list on March 1st 2015 were collected one by one by hand from the website of the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (https://www.pmda.go.jp/english/). Package inserts with boxed warnings were classified according to the Standard Commodity Classification Number of Japan based on the pharmacological activity of each medicine. They were also compiled according to their formulations. The boxed warnings were divided into the precautions and responses parts, and their characteristics were compared among medicines. (AU)

Electronic Package Leaflets for Vaccines: What Are People's Perceptions in Italy?

In Italy, the paper package leaflet (PPL) is the official document that is approved by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) for each medicine. PPLs of all medicines, including vaccines, are freely available online by accessing the AIFA website. To investigate people's attitudes toward possible access to the PPLs of vaccines and the acceptability of switching to an electronic package leaflet (e-leaflet) in the future, we surveyed three target groups (pregnant women, young parents, and older people) in Italy, via an online survey. We collected 321 questionnaires from the cohorts, which comprised 104 pregnant women, 105 young parents, and 112 older people. The results indicate in all target groups that health care professionals (HCPs) do not usually offer the vaccine PPL during the vaccination session: only about 10.7% of respondents receive the PPL without asking for it, with pregnant women receiving it the most frequently. The acceptance rate for switching from a PPL to an e-leaflet is fairly high in all target groups (76.9% in pregnant women, 81.9% in young parents, and 66.1% in the elderly), especially if the option exists to request a paper print, to make sure that people with a low level of digital skills can access the PPL information as well. HCPs have an important role in ensuring access to the PPLs of vaccines. HCPs should be trained to inform their patients about the different options for accessing the PPLs (as well as online access) to increase their patients' knowledge and satisfaction.

Evaluation of quality and readability of over-the-counter medication package inserts.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication package inserts are vital references for healthcare professionals to make drug recommendations and influential education materials that patients commonly refer to when self-caring. However, little is known about the quality and readability of the OTC medication package inserts in China. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the quality and readability of OTC medication package inserts. METHODS: Package inserts of OTC medication were selected based on the market share and pharmacological category. The quality of the package inserts was evaluated based on standards adapted separately from the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Working Group. The readability was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) in conjunction with the Chinese Readability Index Explorer (CRIE). RESULTS: A total of 29 OTC medication package inserts consisting of 12 Western Medicine (WM) and 17 Chinese Tradition Patent Medicine (CTPM) package inserts were included. Overall, the OTC package inserts met 92% of the NMPA standards and 54% of the EMA standards. In terms of readability assessment using PEMAT, the overall median (interquartile range) understandability score was 38% (38-45%) and for actionability score was 40% (40-55%). The overall text reading level of package inserts measured by the CRIE, after removing some medical jargon, is equivalent to the median reading level for the 12th (9.5-12th) grade reading level. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of OTC medication package inserts was satisfactory under internal standards but poor under international standards. Some OTC pharmacological information is not provided due to lack of research, especially for CTPM. A more informative and comprehensive package insert may be needed to guide drug use decisions. OTC medication package inserts are not appropriate patient education materials in terms of readability. Additional materials may be developed to supplement package inserts for patient education for OTC medications.

Investigation of the boxed warnings in package inserts of prescription medicines for medical professionals in Japan.

Objective: In the Japanese Pharmacists Act, article 25-2, revised in 2013, it states that pharmacists shall provide the necessary information and guidance to the patient based on pharmaceutical knowledge and experience for ensuring the proper use of the medicine dispensed. The package insert is one of the documents to be referred to when providing the information and guidance. The boxed warnings in package inserts that include the precautions and responses are the most significant parts, however, the suitability of boxed warnings for pharmaceutical practice has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the boxed warning descriptions in package inserts of prescription medicines for medical professionals in Japan. Methods: Package inserts of prescription medicines listed in the Japanese National Health Insurance drug price list on March 1st 2015 were collected one by one by hand from the website of the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (https://www.pmda.go.jp/english/). Package inserts with boxed warnings were classified according to the Standard Commodity Classification Number of Japan based on the pharmacological activity of each medicine. They were also compiled according to their formulations. The boxed warnings were divided into the precautions and responses parts, and their characteristics were compared among medicines. Results: The number of package inserts found on the website of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency was 15,828. Boxed warnings were present in 8.1% of the package inserts. A description of adverse drug reactions accounted for 74% of all precautions. Most of the precautions were observed in the warning boxes of antineoplastic agents. Blood and lymphatic system disorders were the most common precaution. Responses in the boxed warnings directed toward medical doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals accounted for 100, 77, and 8% of all package inserts with a boxed warning, respectively. Explanations for patients were the second most frequent response. Conclusions: The majority of boxed warnings request therapeutic contribution by pharmacists, and the descriptions of these explanations and guidance by pharmacists to patients were found to be consistent with the Pharmacists Act.

Harmonization of summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs) of drugs with the same active ingredients: an evaluation of SmPCs of the most frequently prescribed active substances.

PURPOSE: In aut-idem or generic substitution, discrepancies between summaries of product characteristics (SmPCs) referring to the same active substance (AS) may cause difficulties regarding informed consent and medical liability. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of such discrepancies are insufficiently studied, impeding harmonization of same-substance SmPCs and compromising safe drug treatment. METHODS: SmPCs of the one hundred most frequently prescribed ASs in Germany were analyzed for discrepancies in the presentation of indications (Inds) and contraindications (CInds). Inclusion and exclusion criteria of drugs/SmPCs were chosen according to the standards of the aut-idem substitution in Germany. RESULTS: According to the study protocol, we identified 1486 drugs, of which 1426 SmPCs could be obtained. 41% respectively 65% of the ASs had same-substance SmPCs that differed from the respective reference SmPC in the number of listed Inds respectively CInds. The number of listed Inds/CInds varied considerably between same-substance SmPCs with maximum ranges in Inds of 7 in amoxicillin, and in CInds of 11 in lisinopril. Many ASs had large proportions (> 50%) of associated same-substance SmPCs that differed from the respective reference SmPC. A considerable proportion of ASs had same-substance SmPCs with formal and content-related differences other than the discrepancy in the number of Inds/CInds. CONCLUSION: This evaluation of same-substance SmPCs shows a clear lack of harmonization of same-substance SmPCs. Considering that generic substitution has become the rule and that physicians usually do not know which drug the patient receives in the pharmacy, these discrepancies raise several questions, that require a separate legal evaluation.

ADR in Journals: Are They Translated into Regulatory Frameworks?

INTRODUCTION: An adverse drug reaction case report refers to a scientific publication that is written by a health care professional who suspects a casual relationship between a drug and an adverse drug reaction (ADR). ADR case reports help to identify potential risks associated with the use of drug. Most of the case reports do not mention about reporting the ADR to regulatory authorities. With this objective, the aim of this study was to analyze the number of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) published as case reports (PubMed indexed journals) from January 2018 to June 2019, and observe if they are translated in regulatory frameworks like Vigibase, and package inserts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 321 ADRs were obtained with the keywords "Adverse Drug Reaction". Out of those, 158 were independently extracted by two investigators, observed and categorized according to classes of the drugs, geographic location, severity, hospitalization, Completeness of ADR, whether reported to the regulatory authority (Vigibase), or listed in the package insert. Literature review articles were excluded. RESULTS: Out of the 158 ADRs, antibiotics accounted for 12.65%, CNS drugs and monoclonal antibodies11.39%, anticancer drugs 9.49%, CVS drugs 4.43%, anti-viral 3.79%, others 45.56%, respectively. According to geographic region, 26 ADRs published were from USA, Australia 4, Italy 3, India 17, Turkey 9, Singapore and UK 1, China 20, Denmark and Canada 2, Japan 10, France 9, Austria 1, Korea 5, South America 3, Switzerland 2, respectively. Depending upon the severity, causality assessment was done only for 45 ADRs, and not done for 113 ADRs. 41.13% patients (from 65 case reports) were hospitalized. Among the 158 ADRs, 14 ADRs were not found in Vigibase. 32 ADRs were not mentioned in the Drug package inserts. When categorized according to the completeness of case reports, weight accounted for1.89%, lab values and procedure for diagnosis, 96.8%, risk factors, 95.56%, prior exposure, 88.60%, Post ADR status, 60.12%, start-stop medication, route of administration, first dose, last dose, duration of illness accounted for 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Depending upon our observation, we have noticed that there is deficiency in reporting of suspected ADRs to regulatory authorities. Reporting can be included as mandatory criteria for ADR case reports. Also, there is an increased need to aware various healthcare workers for reporting ADR.

Factors that Facilitate and Hinder the Comprehension of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs): A Brief Scoping Review.

Introduction: Patient information leaflets (PILs) of medicinal products are informative documents that accompany medicines and explain their components, modes of use, interactions with other medicines, and other relevant issues. When patients do not adequately understand the information in the leaflets, they may engage in behaviors that affect their health (e.g., self-medication). Objective: To identify patient-related factors and characteristics of PILs that can promote cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that lead to appropriate drug use practices. Additionally, we aimed to determine strategies that could be implemented to design leaflets that convey adequate information and are easier to understand. Method and Results: We evaluated scientific articles published in databases and containing information on PILs suitability to be used in a patient population. A total of 51 articles were selected as the sample. Certain leaflet factors that favored or hindered understanding were identified (e.g., format in which the leaflets are presented, their structure, their adaptation to the sociodemographic and linguistic characteristics of the population, their wording…). Similarly, we also identified patient factors, such as previous experience taking the drugs referred to in the leaflet; the type of emotions experienced when reading the leaflets; the emphasis on the adverse effects of the medications; sociodemographic variables (i.e., age or educational level); and degree of interest in their own healthcare. Conclusion: Patient and leaflet factors influence the comprehension of information in the PIL; hence, emphasis should be placed on these factors to increase treatment and medication adherence and to reduce health-risk behaviors.

The Effect of Label and Medication Package Insert Reading Habits of Parents on their Children's Oral Dental Health.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between packaged product label and medication package insert reading habits of parents and their children's oral/dental health. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire including demographic characteristics and label/insert reading habits was filled by parents of 301 children who referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department. The children were examined intraorally and dmft/DMFT and ICDAS II scores were recorded. The data were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Label and medication package insert reading were found in 71.4% and 88.4% of the parents, respectively. Label reading increased as the age of the child and the number of children in the family increased. Medical package insert reading increased as the mother's education and SLS/paraben knowledge increased. Decrease of 1 point in ICDAS II resulted in the 1.410 times increase in the rate of medical package insert reading of the parents. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that improving the label and medical insert reading rate of the parents would be effective for providing better oral and dental health for their children.

Development and psychometric validation for evaluating written medicine information in Thailand: The Consumer Information Rating Form.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and validate the consumer information rating form (CIRF) for use in Thai populations. DESIGN: The development of the CIRF was carried out in two phases: translation process and cognitive interview, and psychometric testing. SETTING: A university hospital and a tertiary hospital in northeast Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: 150 outpatients from medicine department: 30 for phase 1 and 120 patients for phase 2 study. METHODS: The CIRF was translated with cultural adaptation into Thai using cognitive interview technique in a sample of outpatients. A larger sample of outpatients then completed the CIRF in relation to either a package insert (PI) or a patient information leaflet (PIL) for one of three medicines: atorvastatin, celecoxib and metformin. Construct validity was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) and internal consistency using Cronbach's α coefficient. Known group validity was assessed by comparing mean consumers' ratings for PIs and PILs. RESULTS: Thirty participants engaged in the cognitive interview and 120 participants completed the CIRF. The PCA found the 17 items of the CIRF were extracted into three factors: comprehensibility, utility and design quality scales, mirroring the original. Cronbach's α for the overall scale (0.904) indicated good internal consistency. Known-group validity demonstrated significant differences in consumers' rating between PIs and PILs for almost all items (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Thai version of CIRF had acceptable validity and reliability for Thai consumers' ratings of written medicine information. The CIRF could be of practical use in the process of developing medicine information to ensure consumers' comprehension and their usefulness.

An Innovative Health Literacy Approach Designed to Improve Patient Understanding of Medication Labeling.

OBJECTIVE: Limited health literacy negatively impacts understanding of medication-related information. We describe an innovative methodology designed to optimize user understanding of patient medication labeling through the systematic application of evidence-based health literacy principles, using the Patient Package Insert (PPI) for bezlotoxumab (ZINPLAVA™, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA) as an example. METHODS: We used a mixed-model, iterative approach consisting of three phases: (1) content development; (2) focus group testing; and (3) comprehension testing. Content development was based on evidence-based health literacy principles and conducted through a collaborative partnership between industry and academia professionals. The PPI was then tested in four focus groups, two in Atlanta and two in Chicago, with an emphasis on collecting feedback from respondents with limited health literacy, evaluated using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) health literacy assessment tool. Subsequent comprehension testing included patients with C. diff, caregivers, and general population members, with a pre-defined target sample of 25% with limited health literacy identified through two health literacy assessment tools: the Single Item Literacy Screener and the NVS. RESULTS: Content development of the bezlotoxumab PPI occurred in May 2015. In June 2015, focus group respondents (n = 34) provided generally favorable feedback, with insights revolving around organization and usability; language and comprehension; and volume of information. Comprehension testing of the revised PPI resulted in average comprehension scores of 96% for the overall population (n = 59), 90% for individuals presenting with limited health literacy (n = 14), and 97% for those with adequate health literacy (n = 45). This PPI development approach was similarly effective for subsequent products across diverse therapeutic areas, with comprehension scores ≥ 86% for all participants (n = 1197). CONCLUSION: This methodology represents a significant advancement for the development of understandable patient medication labeling, especially for people with limited health literacy.

Information adequacy of medicine package inserts in India: A critical evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Package inserts (PIs) are used by physicians and other health-care providers as ready source of approved prescribing information. In India, they are subject to statutory regulations that specify the information to be provided under various headings. Uniformity of PIs with optimal level of information is desirable, the absence of which may lead to medication errors. This observational study aimed to evaluate the information adequacy and accuracy of PIs available in the Indian market. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PIs of drugs marketed in India, and approved by United States Food and Drug Administration, were collected from various retail pharmacies through purposive sampling. The adequacy and accuracy of the information in each PI were evaluated with the help of a 25-item checklist prepared as per stipulations mentioned in statutory guidelines. Each required item of information was scored 1 if present and appropriate or 0 if absent or deemed incomplete or inaccurate. A total information adequacy score (IAS), with maximum value 25, was thereby calculated. RESULTS: From the total 135 PIs analyzed, the median IAS was 17 (interquartile range 15-19). Deficiencies were observed under important headings. For example, "references" were mentioned in only 6.67% and "date of last updating" in only 19.26% of PIs. Other notable shortcomings were in "disposal" (not mentioned in 92.59%), "effects on ability to drive and use machines" (76.30%), "pharmaceutical incompatibilities" (66.67%), "shelf life" (62.96%), "excipients" (60.00%), and "overdose" (17.78%) information. Information on "generic name," "composition," and "indications" were however provided by all (100%) PIs. CONCLUSIONS: The information provided by PIs in India being inadequate, may not be able to serve as a reliable source of information.

Effectiveness of drug postmarketing all-case surveillance as a safety measure in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: The drug pharmacovigilance system in Japan is similar to those in the European Union (EU) and the United States. As a unique Japanese pharmacovigilance program, postmarketing all-case surveillance (PMACS) is required. PMACS plays a key role for postmarketing activities, but there are challenges that place much burden on PMACS conduct. This study investigates the impact of PMACS on postmarketing activities in Japan and proposes its potential improvement. This study also seeks the possibility to expand PMACS beyond Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reexamination reports issued from 2017 to 2019 were identified in September 2020 by searching 'reexamination report' and '201701' to '201912' on the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency website. The corresponding Package Insert (PI) change orders and premarketing review reports were also identified. Reviewing these regulatory documents allowed for investigation of the PMACS impact on postmarketing activities. RESULTS: More than half (57%) of the drugs with PMACS had 'Limited dosing experience in Japan' as a reason for the PMACS requirement. As a safety measure, no PI change orders were imposed on 33% and 28% of drugs with and without PMACS, respectively. The means of the number of PI change orders were 2.23 and 2.14 for drugs with and without PMACS, respectively. There were no reexamination reports mentioning any concerns related to efficacy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: PMACS should not be imposed only because of limited dosing experience in Japan at the premarketing stage. Rather, PMACS should focus on (1) collection of safety data (not efficacy), (2) necessity of distribution control, and/or (3) collection of case details for drugs with a limited treated population. PMACS also has the potential to be utilized in the EU and the United States, as their regulatory frameworks are acceptable for PMACS. Naglazyme (galsulfase) is a case where the PMACS-like studies have been required in each region. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Effectiveness of data collection for all patients who receive a new drug as a safety measure in Japan: Introduction:: In Japan, a drug company is obligated to conduct data collection after a new drug launch as an approval condition. The obligation is a unique Japanese requirement where a company must collect data from all patients receiving the drug in Japan in cooperation with hospitals. This is expected to contribute to intensive data collection and better drug distribution control and could potentially be useful in countries beyond Japan. However, no clear criteria have been established for decision making, despite the significant burden for companies and hospitals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the obligation on safety measures and efficacy data collection and propose a potentially improved drug scope to impose the obligation.Materials and Methods:: Reexamination of reports issued by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency between 2017-2019.Results:: More than half (57%) of the included drugs had 'Limited dosing experience in Japan' as a reason for the obligation being required. However, regulatory order to change drug label, an action based on safety signal identification, was imposed on 33% and 28% of drugs with and without the obligation, respectively. The means of the number of the label change orders were 2.23 and 2.14 for drugs with and without obligation, respectively. Meanwhile, some drugs were highlighted as potential factors for better application of the obligation.Conclusion:: According to these results, the obligation should be imposed on a limited number of drugs by focusing not on dosing experience in Japan but on safety (not efficacy) data collection, necessity of distribution control, and/or collection of case details for drugs with a limited treated population. The obligation also has the potential to be utilized in the EU and the United States, as their regulatory frameworks are acceptable for the obligation.