When Prescrire evaluates a drug's harm-benefit balance and ease of use, its packaging is an important factor to take into account. Every aspect of the packaging is analysed for its impact on quality of care and the safety of patients and the people around them. We examine, in particular:
- Whether international nonproprietary names (INNs) are clearly legible, and whether different dose strengths of the same drug are easily distinguishable;
- The clarity of any information presented graphically, such as diagrams showing how to prepare the dose to be administered, dosing schedules, symbols or pictograms;
- The devices provided for dose preparation, measurement or administration;
- The quality, intelligibility and clarity of the information provided in the patient leaflet, especially in the sections on how to use the product, its adverse effects, and the situations and patient populations in which the drug poses a particular risk;
- The risk of accidental ingestion, for example by a child.
The 2024 Prescrire Packaging Awards pertain to the packaging of drugs evaluated in our French edition in 2024.
In 2024, one product has earned an award for its particularly well-designed packaging:
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- Lidocaine Aguettant 10 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled syringes (lidocaine) - Aguettant (French authorisation): this ready-to-use presentation simplifies aseptic preparation of the injection. It is both convenient for healthcare professionals and safe for patients.
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24 products authorised in the European Union or France in poor-quality packaging received a "Red Card" for various reasons:
- Dry oral forms packaged in multidose bottles;
- Labelling that fails to inform patients and healthcare professionals about certain risks;
- Packaging flaws that increase the risk of administration errors;
- Unsuitable dosing device;
- Insufficiently addressed preparation and handling errors;
- Paediatric indication for which no usable presentation is available.
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FREE "The Prescrire Awards for 2024" Prescrire Int 2025; 34 (270): 136-139. FREE.
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