Often overlooked during product/package development, labels communicate with consumers, address regulatory matters.
Never underestimate the vital role labels play in pharmaceutical packaging. Batch and lot numbers printed on labels serve significant purposes. Patients rely on dosage/usage instructions and details found on labels and inserts/outserts.
As technical writer Del Williams reports in the article, "Not your ordinary labels; advanced labeling tips for pharma," "print-on-demand, label reconciliation, and other advanced labeling options help pharma meet regulatory, quality, and inventory management requirements." The article offers American Label & Tag Inc., as a source for more information.
Another salient point from the article: "Although label requirements are admittedly the last item a pharmaceutical manufacturer thinks of when bringing a product to market, it is clear that labels play a vital role in the industry."
It's understandable that manufacturers focus on the product. After all, they've invested millions of dollars in bringing it to market. Yet packaging—labeling specifically in this instance—is often an afterthought in the development process. With patient compliance and adherance at stake, it's time to move labeling up the priority list.
