Background and Additional Resources

This project began with research to see if it was possible to implement label changes in Wisconsin.  

Adopting an Easy-to-Read Medication Label in Wisconsin, found at Bit.ly/MedLabel

Wisconsin Labeling Requirements Summary (including Federal Requirements)

As of June 2016

These elements must be included on the label, as required by law.   

• Name and address of licensed pharmacy
• Phone number of pharmacy (if out-of-state)
• Date dispensed    
• Rx number from dispensing pharmacy
• Name of prescriber
• Full name of patient
• Directions for use and cautionary statements
• Name an strength of drug, (unless prescriber says no)
• Symptom or purpose of drug (if submitted by prescriber)
• Brand name may include generic (prescriber can say no)
• Generic must name manufacturer
• Transfer warning statement

Journal Articles

Davis TC, Wolf M et al, Literacy and Misunderstanding Prescription Drug Labels

Institute of Medicine. Standardizing Medication Labels: Confusing Patients Less

Lee, Charles. Patient Understanding: The Cornerstone of Medication Adherence

Smith, Michelle Cruz Jimenez et al. Lost in translation: Medication labeling for immigrant families. (JAPhA membership required)

Thurmer, A. Building a Patient-Centered Medication Label 

Wolf M, Bailey, SC. The Role of Health Literacy in Patient Safety

Wolf M et al, To err is human: Patient misinterpretations of prescription drug label instructions

Wolf M, Davis TC et al, Effect of Standardized, Patient-Centered Label Instructions to Improve Comprehension of Prescription Drug Use

Wood, B. Medication Adherence: The Real Problem When Treating Chronic Conditions