A new study has revealed that consumers worldwide could be confused about some of the information on pharma labels.

Research carried out at the VA Medical Centre in the US found many people mistakenly think that new prescription drugs will be more effective than established medication.

Meanwhile, one in four admitted thinking the Food and Drug Administration only approves drugs that do not have any serious side effects, even though it actually licences them once it has been proven the benefits outweigh the risks.

It was suggested that simply-worded cautions should be added to pharmaceutical labels, perhaps in fact boxes similar to nutrition information boxes on foods.

These could provide details of drug comparisons and side-effects.

Skye McKennon, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, recently told the New York Times that drugs can have side-effects other than those stated on their pharma labels if they are not stored at the correct temperature.

Denny Bros Ltd, 16 September 2011