Abstract
Objective: To assess the type of experiences related to practical aspects of medicine use reported to an internet-based medicine reporting system (www.meldpuntmedicijnen.nl). Design and methods: All reports submitted from May 2004 to December 2007 to an internet-based medicine reporting system in the Netherlands related to practical aspects of use were analysed. The experiences were grouped into the following categories: difficulties in opening packages, other difficulties with use, and problems with printed text on packages and the information leaflet. Results: Of the 5175 individuals who submitted a report, 530 submitted 611 reports on practical aspects of medicine use. More than half of the reports concerned difficulties with the opening of packages, mostly about opening blister packages (46.2%). One third of the reports were related to other problems with use, mainly about package size (13.0%) and preference for device (8.5%). About one in ten reports was related to the printing and information on packages, mostly about unclear and confusing text print on the primary package (5.7%). 25.2% of the reporters did inform their prescribing physician and 38.2% informed the pharmacist or pharmacy staff. Conclusion: Some medicine users experience considerable difficulties with the packaging; opening of a blister package is one of the major issues. Packaging of pharmaceuticals needs more attention; issues need to be addressed by the pharmaceutical manufacturers, registration authorities and pharmacists.
Translated title of the contribution | Problems with medicine packages. Experiences reported to a Dutch medicine reporting system |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 199-203 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Pharmaceutisch Weekblad |
Volume | 144 |
Issue number | 47 |
Publication status | Published - 20 Nov 2009 |