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by Hallie Forcinio, Contributing Editor Posted on Friday, November 03, 2006 3:10:08 PM   | Abstract: | Unit-dose labeling regulations mean hardware and software changes for drug makers. |
Medication errors caused more than 7,000 deaths in 1993, according to a landmark report published in 1999 by the Institute of Medicine (Washington). Most medication errors are preventable, but efforts to reduce errors have not been particularly successful. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Washington) is hoping to turn this situation around by requiring bar codes on packaging for prescription and over-the-counter drugs dispensed at patient bedsides in hospitals. The final rule was published in February 2004 and takes effect on April 24, 2006, except for new drugs, which must comply within 60 days of approval. The idea is to have the care giver scan the bar code on the package and, perhaps, the patient wristband, as well as their own identification badge. This information would link back to a database to confirm the right drug is being given to the right patient at the right dose at the right time by the right administration route. Hospitals with such systems already in place have experienced dramatic reductions in medication errors. The bar code must encode the product's National Drug Code (NDC), and it may include the lot number and expiration date. "We try to encourage our customers to include lot number and expiration date capability or plan for it in their online printing systems," says Debbie Murphy, global life sciences practice leader at thermal-transfer bar code printer supplier Zebra Technologies (Vernon Hills, IL). [Click to continue] |