Evaluation of medication package inserts in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine if package inserts (PIs) supplied with prescribed and over-the-counter medications in Saudi Arabia contain information relevant for the safe and appropriate use of these medications.

Methods

Sixty PIs for prescription-only medications (n = 37) and over-the-counter medications (n = 23) were evaluated against a set of safety criteria compiled from the literature.

Results

Analyzed PIs were defective in many aspects. Particularly of concern were unclear dosage instructions, lack of measures to be taken when an administrative error was made, inappropriate presentation of side effects, and lack of measures to be taken if serious side effects occurred.

Conclusion

This study indicated that information relevant to the safe and appropriate use of medications was not uniformly mentioned in the PIs analyzed. To avoid medication errors due to deficits in the current PIs, we recommend improvement in the existing PIs based on best practice for information content and design.

Introduction

Written patient drug information, such as drug labels and package inserts (PIs), is intended to instruct patients on how and when to use a medicine and to promote an understanding of the purpose, benefits and risks of the medication prescribed.1 This understanding is supposed to lead to successful therapy and enable safe medication use. Substantial regulatory efforts have been made in Europe, the USA, and Australia to improve written drug information.1,2

In Saudi Arabia, during the pharmaceutical registration stage, manufacturers must submit a summary of product characteristics (SPC) and labeling information to the regulatory authority. The laws mandate that medications purchased from a community pharmacy are dispensed in their original packages with an insert very similar to the SPC. The intended users of PIs are health care professionals; however, because of their visibility one could expect that many patients will turn to PIs to answer their medication-related queries. Indeed, a Saudi-based survey of over 2000 community pharmacy customers found that 88% of respondents claimed that they read the PIs or ask somebody to read it for them.3 However, of concern is that the PIs could be the main source of information for some patients for many reasons. First, research suggests self-medication is common in Saudi Arabia.4 Second, purchasing legally prescription-only medications without a prescription from community pharmacies is common.5 This means that the patient assumes the bulk of responsibility for medication safety not only for over-the-counter (OTC) medications but also for medications such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and oral contraceptives. Third, even if patients visit physicians, information provided regarding dose and frequency, precautions, and adverse effects of their prescribed medications has been shown to be suboptimal,6 as has community pharmacists’ counselling.7 Despite that, research on PIs in Saudi Arabia is rare. Available evidence indicates that inserts of Saudi-marketed drugs conveyed limited and incomplete information compared with their counterparts marketed in the USA8 and there is a substantial disagreement in information between the PIs of generic and brand products marketed in Saudi Arabia.9 However, no study has evaluated whether the available PIs are comprehensible and understandable by the patient, which is a very important aspect of evidence-based PIs.10 A growing body of research indicates that patients frequently misinterpret prescription drug labels and PIs.11–17 Challenges in reading and understanding labels and PIs may represent one cause of the high rates of medication errors and poor adherence.11,12 Therefore, this study aimed to assess the availability of key information on PIs supplied with prescribed and OTC medications in Saudi Arabia. It also assessed whether information on PIs is presented in a way that aids patient comprehension. In addition, characteristics of relevance to readability were examined.

Methods

PI selection

A commercially available list of top-selling prescription-only and OTC medications in Saudi Arabia was obtained.18 From the list of 253 medicines, each of which had sold 100,000 units or more in Saudi during the year 2011, 60 medicines were selected. The 60 medications were chosen from the top 150 sold medications (prescription = 37, OTC = 23). Selection was done to ensure the drugs covered different therapeutic indications (n = 15), pharmaceutical forms (tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions, drops, ointments, and inhalers), from different manufacturers (n = 19; four Saudi, two Arabic non-Saudi, 13 international). The legal status of each medication was verified by status information available on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) website.19 If a PI was for different strengths and one of these strengths was an OTC, the PI was counted with the OTC. The PIs were collected and analyzed by the author from community pharmacies in May 2011.

Leaflet characteristics

Six characteristics were examined: dimensions, layout, type of paper, color of paper and text, transparency, use of headings, and use of pictograms or graphics. Dimensions (length and width) of each PI were measured to the nearest centimeter with a standard ruler. Transparency was registered when print from the reverse side showed through the PI.

Evaluation criteria

PI content was evaluated using criteria derived from the literature – specifically, the criteria used by Fuchs et al20 and Raynor et al.2 Fuchs et al’s criteria were built on European and German regulations. Many of these quality criteria referred to the content of the PI, such as contraindications, and the dosage or possible side effects. There were also some criteria that considered additional aspects such as general comprehensibility and readability as well as layout. These criteria had already been used to analyze German PIs11 and were tested in the PI test study (PAINT) study,13 which showed that they significantly improved comprehensibility and usability of PIs.12 The criteria used by Raynor and colleagues was based on the US Keystone Criteria,2 which were developed through a structured process of consensus by a large number of stakeholders. Criteria related to readability, such as word count and font size, were excluded as they were outside the objective of this study.

Evaluations were made on a “yes” or “no” basis with “yes” meaning the information was provided and “no” meaning no such information was provided.

Data analysis and presentation

The data were extracted by the author twice at different times to minimize the chances of missing any information. The number of PIs that met the quality criteria was calculated. The results were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. The Chi-square test was conducted to determine any significant differences among groups. Statistical significance was determined at a P value lower than 0.05. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (v 15.00; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY).

Results

Leaflet characteristics

All PIs use uncoated paper, but in all PIs the paper used was not sufficiently thick to reduce transparency. All analyzed PIs used a white background with text in black (n = 51, [85%]), blue (n = 7, [12%]), or red (n = 2, [3%]). Arabic translation was available in 58 (97%). PI headings were used in all PIs. Twenty (33%) analyzed PIs were in landscape format. The mean length of the pages on which the PIs was printed was 26.6 cm (standard deviation [SD] 14.7), while the average width of pages was 20 cm (SD 10.9). Five (8%) PIs used images, pictograms, or other graphics. Abbreviations and acronyms other than “mg,” “mL,” or “kg” were used in 21 (35%) PIs. Scientific symbols (such as “>” or “<”) were used in 19 (32%) PIs. The explanation for medical terminology was available in eight (13%) PIs. Forty-four PIs (73%) included information on the last version update. The date of last update in 26 (65%) PIs was between 2005 and 2009. The intended users of the leaflet were specified in 10% of PIs (n = 6; two for health care professionals, four for patients). However, the text targeted particular patients in another seven (11%) PIs, evident from the use words such as “your medication,” “inform your doctor,” or “if you notice any side effects.”

All the PIs included the manufacturer’s name; however, four PIs (7%) did not include the manufacturer’s address. Approximately 82% (n = 49) provided information on correct storage temperature.

Information provided

All PIs contained information on name, active ingredients, therapeutic indications, and pharmaceutical forms. Thirty-two (53%) PIs were for more than one strength and/or different pharmaceutical forms. Although all PIs provided dosage instructions, precautions and adverse effects information, many lacked important information (Table 1). The route of administration was not explicitly indicated, such as “oral route” or “swallow the tablet,” in 24 (40%) analyzed PIs (15 OTC, nine prescription). Dosage instructions were given as number of tablets or capsules, as volume, drops, or amount of the drug instead of in milligrams of active substance in 32 (52%) PIs. Thirty PIs were for tablets or capsules and 16 PIs were for more than one pharmaceutical form, including tablets or capsules. The amount of solution to use with tablets or capsules was given in seven of the analyzed tablet or capsule PIs. Recommendations that tablets and capsules should be taken in an upright position were not provided in any of analyzed PIs.

Table 1.

Package inserts (n = 60) content evaluation criteria

Criteria	OTCa		Prescriptionb		Total
	n	%	n	%	n	%
Dosage instructions
All dosage instructions are given as number of tablets or capsules, as volume, drops or amount of the drug instead of in milligrams of active substance	13	57	19	51	32	53
Nonquantifiable dosage instructions, such as 1–3 times, 2–4 tablets, without an explanation are missing*	8	35	24	65	32	53
The maximum dose is included	9	39	15	41	24	40
The maximum dose is given as number of tablets or capsules or as volume*	6	26	2	5	8	13
Hints on period of use are available (duration of use)	10	43	20	54	30	50
Hints on time of the day when the medicine should be used	4	17	12	32	16	27
Information such as take the medicine before, after, or independent of a meal are available in case of orally taken drugsc,*	4	24	17	59	21	46
The type of solution to use is given for orally taken drugs with a solid application formc	5	29	6	21	11	18
The amount of solution to use is given by orally taken drugs with a solid application formc,*	5	29	2	7	7	15
Hints that tablets and capsules should be taken in upright position	0	0	0	0	0	0
Provides information on what to do in case of overdose of the medicine	18	78	27	73	45	75
Provides information on what the patient should do if doses are missed*	1	4	11	30	12	20
Precautions
Statement of contraindications	22	96	36	97	58	97
Statement of drug interactions	19	83	28	76	47	78
Information on laboratory, food, or herbal interactions	3	13	9	25	12	20
Information on capability to drive a car or operate a machine	8	35	18	49	26	43
Provides advice on when to consult a physician/pharmacist	7	30	14	38	21	35
Adverse effects
Provides qualitative statements on the frequency of side effects (rare or common)	14	61	24	65	38	63
Verbal frequency terms are explained in the form of natural frequencies (eg, very common “more than 1 in 10 patients”)	2	9	8	22	10	17
Describes severity of every possible adverse reaction	3	13	5	14	8	13
Setting out the side effects by frequency of occurrence, starting with the highest	2	9	15	41	17	28
Setting side effects by organ/system/class	3	13	12	32	15	25
Statement on possible influence of the medication on reaction time*	0	0	6	16	6	10
Describes suitable measures in case of adverse reactions*	2	9	14	38	16	27
Possible side effects if medication is stopped or the dose is changed without doctor’s advice	0	0	5	14	5	8

Notes:

^aOTC n = 23: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (n = 7), anti-pyretic analgesic (n = 5), anti-histamine (n = 5), cough preparations (n = 2), anti-ulcer (n = 3), and vitamin supplements (n = 1);

^bprescription n = 37: Antibiotics (n = 9), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (n = 4), hormonal contraceptive (n = 3), antihypertensive (n = 4), antidiabetic (n = 3), corticosteroids (n = 3), neurotropic/antiepileptic (n = 2), cough preparations (n = 2), antihypercholesterolemia (n = 2), anti-emetic (n = 2), anti-ulcer (n = 1), and haemorrhoids (n = 1);

^cpercentage calculated for oral preparation only (OTC = 17, Prescription = 29).

^*P < 0.05.

Abbreviation: OTC, over the counter.

Guidance on duration of use, such as “treatment should not be continued for more than four weeks without medical advice” was available in 30 (50%) PIs. Statements on possible influence of the medication on reaction time, such as “this effect may appear after 5–7 days,” were missing in 54 (90%) PIs. Forty-four PIs (73%) did not provide information on suitable measures in case of adverse reactions even general measures such as “contact your doctor or pharmacist.”

There was no statistically significant difference between OTC and prescription-only drug PIs for most of the criteria (Table 1).

Information on use during pregnancy and nursing was available in 58 (97%) and 52 (87%) analyzed PIs, respectively (Figure 1). Twenty-two (38%) PIs included information from animal studies on the safety or potential teratogencity. Instructions on possible use in children and the elderly could only be found in 44 (73%) and 18 (30%) PIs, respectively (Figure 1). Of these PIs, only 22 (50%) provided information on children by age and five (28%) PIs defined the age of the elderly.

Figure 1.

Package inserts (n = 60) content evaluation criteria with regard to use in pregnant, nursing, pediatric, and geriatric populations.

Abbreviation: OTC, over the counter.

Discussion

In this study, Saudi PIs were analyzed to assess if they contained information the patient could understand and follow to their best possible benefit. As Table 1 makes clear, PIs had many deficiencies. Particularly of concern was the lack of clarity in dosing instructions. Medication errors and adverse events in the outpatient setting have been linked to patients’ unintentional misuse of prescribed or OTC medicines due to improper understanding of PI instructions, particularly in patients with limited literacy skills and those managing multiple medication regimens.11,12 Evidence suggests that patients are more likely to make an error if dosage instructions were given in milligrams of active substance instead of number of tablets.11–13 Patients are better able to interpret more explicit instructions, for example, “every 12 hours,” compared with the more implicit “twice daily.”11,12 Also, their ability to determine the correct dose is reduced if presented with instructions such as “take 2–4 tablets.”13 Yet, approximately half of analyzed PIs presented dosage instructions this way. Evidence also suggests that when taking orally administered tablets, people should drink a minimum of 60 mL of liquid and position the upper body at a minimum angle of 45° to achieve a high passage rate of tablets or capsules.21 Such instructions were missing in many of the analyzed PIs.

Of concern also is reporting of side effects. Very few PIs presented the likelihood of adverse effects using the recommended approach of verbal descriptions alongside natural frequencies, for example, “very common (more than 1 in 10 patients).” The use of verbal expressions alone or percentages are misunderstood and can lead to overestimation of the risk by the user,14,15 which may deter patients from taking their medication.22 Only 28% of analyzed PIs presented side effects grouped in terms of frequency and severity, which is more comprehensible for patients than organ systems.16

Patients are entitled to better information with their medication to enable them to make informed decisions as to whether to take the drug and to prepare them for what they might experience in response to a drug.1 However, analyzed PIs were often unclear about patient actions, such as what they should do if they miss a dose, what measures should be taken if serious side effects occur, and when to consult a doctor.

The problems identified in this study largely conform to those noted by others who examined patient information leaflets.2,15,20,23–27 An international research group compared five patient information leaflets from the UK with five from Australia and four from the USA.2 Leaflets from Australia showed the best quality, closely followed by those of the UK. The US leaflets were not only found lacking in provision of information about contraindications, precautions, and drug interactions, but also in readability and comprehensibility.2 An investigation of 68 German PIs from frequently used medicines20 found that many inserts lacked key safety information, including information on daily maximum dose and adverse effects, and were difficult to comprehend. Carrigan et al15 assessed the leaflets supplied with the 50 most frequently prescribed drugs in England and found that 20 (40%) of the 50 leaflets gave no indication of the likelihood of adverse effects occurring and only four leaflets (8%) provided any form of numerical indication of risk. Analysis of PIs accompanying marketed drug products in India (n = 80) found only five of the inserts had information on the most frequent adverse drug reactions associated with the drug.24 Also, information with regard to pediatric and geriatric use was present in only 44% and 13% of the PIs, respectively. Other studies on PIs for topical medications (n = 15),25 geriatric medications (n = 50),26 and antidepressants (n = 42),27 similarly found PIs lacking in adequate information about contraindications, precautions and drug interactions.

This study has three main limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. First, a small number of PIs were analyzed. Second, PI samples were not collected randomly, which raises the possibility of selection bias. As a result, it may be possible that randomly choosing the PIs and increasing the sample size could lead to differences in the results found. However, considering the diversity of PIs examined with regards to indications, legal status, and manufacturers, other important findings are quite unlikely. Moreover, the number of PIs examined is in the range of sample size of previous similar research. Third, there are no gold standard criteria for evaluating written patient drug information28 and criteria used in this study, although used in previous research, have advantages and disadvantages.

Despite these limitations, this study represents the first attempt to evaluate PI adequacy as sources of information for patients in Saudi Arabia. The results presented here demonstrate the necessity and possibilities to improve PIs. Fortunately, from August 2011, a patient information leaflet (PIL) is now required to be submitted during the drug registration process.29 This does not mean, however, that the issues highlighted by this research will be fully resolved. It is not clear if or when PILs will replace the current PIs. Until the newly implemented PILs are widely available, most Saudi patients will receive no written information other than the PIs analyzed in this study. Furthermore, legislation and guidelines in other countries have not guaranteed that PIs are clear and easy to use. The SFDA guidelines state that PILs should be written “using patient understandable language,” but provide no directions on what constitutes patient understandable language. Evidence suggests that specific content and format of prescription drug labels facilitate communication with and comprehension by patients.17,30 We recommend, therefore, that the SFDA guideline demands the use of evidence-based best practices regarding how medication information should be written, designed, and delivered. Patient characteristics such as education and age have an effect on their understanding and usability of PIs.11,12,16,31 Thus, the SFDA should also require that PILs reflect the results of consultations with target patient groups, to understand fully the diverse needs of our patients. The mode of PI delivery, whether it is computer generated as in the USA, a PI as in Europe, or online via the SFDA website, also requires careful consideration.

The findings of this study should stimulate further research into the effects of content and format of PIs on readability, understanding, and medication use. The current study did not assess actual patient understanding of medication instructions; rather, it used criteria to measure comprehensibility and understandability. Research measuring actual patients’ abilities to understand and act upon instructions provided in PIs is required. This paper has focused on the availability of key information and its comprehensibility, with less emphasis on the readability of PIs. Further research in this area is needed. The effect of alternative PI design and layout on comprehension among patients across all age groups and literacy levels also needs to be investigated. As the nature of the relationship between deficits in PIs and poor medication-taking behavior (ie, adherence) or unsafe use of medications has not been well tested,17 more studies evaluating the effects of PI content and format on adherence, medication error rates and health outcomes are needed. The design of these studies needs to capture the true complexity of medication-taking behavior, where patients may be taking multiple medications and have numerous competing demands.

Conclusion

This study indicates that information relevant to the safe and appropriate use of medications was not uniformly provided in the PIs analyzed. To avoid medication errors due to deficits in the current PIs, we recommend improvement in the existing PIs based on best practice for information content and design.