Alternative medicine packaging consists of boxes, packaging and product containers for goods which do not require a prescription such as food supplements, homoeopathic or physiotherapy medicines, veterinary drugs, health care products and children’s and hygiene products.
When information is everything
In the health packaging sector information is of crucial importance and written contents must not simply be easy to read but, even more importantly, up-to-date and complete. Alternative medicine packaging targets consumers but also medical staff dispensing specific products.
Labels must display all product characteristics including dosage, contraindications, expiry dates and storage methods. The importance of this information means that a great deal of attention is paid it not only by the firms which make it but also by those who make its packaging.
Its packaging must be user friendly, easy to open and close and details such as internal support materials, an ergonomic shape and all graphic elements are also important.
Legislation
There are strict laws around the packaging of medicines and health products, as badly designed packaging or incorrect information can jeopardise or damage the health of patients or users.
Legislative Decree 219/2006 sets out the following:
- Primary packaging: containers or all other forms of packaging in close contact with products.
- Secondary packaging: the packaging which contains the primary container.
- Labelling: the information on the outer packaging and primary packaging.
The main information displayed on the primary packaging is product name and dosage, active and secondary ingredients, how to take it and any warnings.
Product name, dosage and other essential information must also be shown in Braille.
The law also requires that writing graphics, colours and sizes must not hinder access to this information or make it less clear.
