Health product labels are much more than a marketing tool and finding the perfect label manufacturing solution is key to any business in this field. Navigating the various requirements for supplement labels and medical labels can be confusing, especially when you want to create branding that is impactful and original. Here are a few things to know about labels in the health industry.
What Is Labelling in the Pharmaceutical Industry?
Labelling in the pharmaceutical industry involves labels and information on drug products sold directly to customers or used by healthcare professionals. These include prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs.
As one would easily guess, the requirements for the labelling of such products are very extensive, covering everything from active and non-active ingredient lists to dosage, uses, adverse effects, and more.
The labels of such products are made with the customer’s health and security in mind. As such, they will include the name of the product, a complete ingredient list, the recommended dosage, the expiration date, and other information required by Health Canada.
In the pharmaceutical industry, like many other industries, labels have an impact on marketing and the capacity to attract clients. The labels should be coherent with the brand and be attractive to customers. More than in other industries, labels for medications and other health-related products are designed to help build trust and credibility.
Apart from the marketing aspect and the regulatory elements, there are several other types of labels in a pharmacy. For example, one might need labels containing specific indications for the staff, such as how to handle the product correctly. It could also be logistic labels needed for organization and keeping track of expiration dates. Medication seals, which ensure that the product is intact are often needed in the industry.
What Is Clinical Labelling?
Clinical labelling refers to the labelling of drug products during the trial process. These will include specific details about the study, including dosage, active ingredient, the study’s sponsor, relevant contact information, instructions, and warnings. It needs to be explicitly written that the drug is an investigational drug and that it is only to be used for the study.
Clinical labelling requirements are geared towards ensuring the validity of the trial and the security of participants. Contrary to regular pharmaceutical labels, clinical labels don’t have to consider marketing and public relations aspects. These factors will come into account after the study is done and the drug can be put on the market.
What Are the Requirements for Medication Labelling?
he requirements regarding labelling of pharmaceutical drugs for human use are quite extensive in Canada. First, it is compulsory to identify the drug, either its brand name or generic name. It is obligatory to clearly state the active ingredients, and the quantity per dosage.
The instructions need to be present as well, including the dosage, the duration of the treatment if applicable, and the route of administration (oral, topical, injection, etc.)
Another crucial point is to include warnings regarding potential side effects and contraindications. The expiration date must be stated.
Additional information, such as the batch or lot number has to be added to ensure traceability. For regular drug products, the DIN (Drug Identification Number) is required, as is the NPN (Natural Product Number) for natural products. These numbers prove that the product has been approved by Health Canada.
Remember that in Canada, labels are required to be bilingual in French and English. All medication labels should be easy to read and understand and have appropriate font and sizing.
What Is Required on a Supplement Label?
Just like typical medications, supplements and natural health products are obligated to comply with certain requirements from Health Canada.
The product name and licence number are to be clearly stated, as well as the quantity of product in the bottle or other container. A complete list of medicinal and non-medicinal ingredients must be provided.
Instructions need to be mentioned clearly, including the product’s intended purpose or health claim, the dosage, and the route of administration.
Supplement labels should include warnings, such as contraindications or potential adverse reactions, and state ideal storage conditions.
Creating labels for health products is a game of balance between complying with requirements and still being able to attract the target market and build trust. Make sure to keep yourself up to date, as government regulations can change from time to time, and adjust your labels when necessary.
If you have any questions or need help finding the best label printing system for your health products, don’t hesitate to contact us at Multi-Action. As experts in the field of labels, we’ll be able to pinpoint the best material or equipment for your business.
