Posted 24 May 2012 | By Alexander Gaffney, RAC 

Australia Looking to Change Layout of Package Labeling

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is calling for comments on a new proposed review to change the way labeling information is situated on medicinal product packaging.

The proposed changes would apply to both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products, and are aimed at making the medicines safer to use by making information easier to understand. Before formulating new regulations, TGA is calling for public and industry input on what changes should be made to product labels.

The review is set to look nine aspects of labeling:

• how easy information is to find on a package's labeling
• confusion between similar-sounding medication names
• the use of brand names across a range of products, which can cause confusion
• similar-looking packaging
• lack of standardized format for information contained on medicines labels and packaging
• dispensing stickers which can cover up important information
• information contained on blister strips
• information contained on small containers
• information provided in package inserts

Comments to TGA are due by 24 August, and may be submitted to labellingreview@tga.gov.au.

Read more:

TGA - TGA Medicine Labelling and Packaging ReviewConsultation Paper

Summary: TGA medicine labelling and packaging review