Unit-dose packaging can take the form of single-dose blisters, sachets, vials or cups, and pharmacies often repackage medicines into unit doses as well. The aim is to let staff identify and give each dose without opening a bulk container, which reduces handling and the risk of errors. See also blister pack.
Why it matters for labeling
Each unit can be separated from its carton, so it has to carry enough on its own to be identified: at least the name, strength, batch or lot number and expiry date. Many hospital workflows scan a barcode on the individual unit, so the barcode and its data have to be correct on a very small area. EU rules allow reduced particulars on small immediate packaging, which makes it important to be clear about exactly what has to remain on each unit.
Common mistakes
- Key information lost when units are separated from the pack
- Barcodes too small or too low in quality to scan reliably
- Strength or name expressed differently on the unit and the carton
- Repackaged units labeled differently from the original product