Labelling

Question 1

Why are cautionary labels needed?

Answer 1

Provides the patient information on various things

Question 2

What information do cautionary labels provide?

Answer 2

1. How to take the drug
2. When to take the drug
   3.Dosage interval
   4.Possible side effects
   5.Food or medicine to be avoided
   6.Possibility of staining clothes

Question 3

List the legal requirements for labels

Answer 3

1.Name of the patient​
2.Name and address of the supplying pharmacy​
3.Date of dispensing​
4.Name of the medicine​
5.Directions for use (capitals letters and spelt
out)​
6.Precautions relating to the use of the medicine
7. RPS recommendation

Question 4

What does the RPS recommend that is always on the label?

Answer 4

‘Keep out of the reach and sight of children’​

‘Use this medicine only on your skin’ where
applicable​

Question 5

What are the instructions on the label?

Answer 5

1. How much, How often, How to use
   2.Translation
   3.Active verbs: take ONE
   4.Numbers=WORDS
   5.Verb quantity
2. Formulation
   7.Frequency
3. rest

Question 6

Why does RPS recommend optimising labels?

Answer 6

allow patient to effectively take their medication, make it easier for them to understand the label with less words and being more direct.

Question 7

What does the legislation allow us to do when optimising labels?

Answer 7

Use our professional judgment to:
1. Can change directions​

2.Can change name or common name of medicine ​

3.Can change precautions for use on label

Question 8

What should one be aware of regarding the practical side of labelling?

Answer 8

1.Always check the expiry date​

2.Always attach labels straight and in the
space provided​

3.Do not attach torn, crumpled labels​

4.Do not make handwritten amendments​

5.Sign Check box

Question 9

What should one be mindful of when placing label on the bottle or the box of a drug?

Answer 9

Label has to be straight and not cover the braille dots on the box so it is accessible to blind people.

Question 10

What are 4 uses of the dispensary computer?

Answer 10

1.Allows generation and printing of labels​

2.Contains Patient Medication Records (PMR)

3.Facilitates the ordering of pharmacy stock and managing stock control​

4. Must be backed up everyday (prevents hacking)​

Question 11

How can confidentiality be maintained when using a dispensary computer?

Answer 11

Make sure no one from the public or unauthorised person has access to the computer easily.

Never leave it unoccupied