Well-packaged medicines with clear pharma Fix-a-Form labels can help patients to better understand what they have been given and how they should take it.

Design expert Tim Clarke told Pharmaceutical Technology magazine that first impressions are crucial and patients should instantly be able to recognise what they can expect from using this particular product.

He explained that smart pharma labels and boxes may increase feelings of security, therefore increasing the likelihood that the medication will be used properly.

"Intelligent packaging design that is user friendly, functional and influences the patient to interact with the packaging helps support compliance," Mr Clarke pointed out.

Last month, Mark Davison of Blue Sphere Health recommended in an article for SecuringPharma.com that companies using pharmaceutical labels should add serial numbers to their products.

He added that this would save millions of pounds if drugs need to be recalled or if there are issues with counterfeiting.

Denny Bros Ltd, 05 May 2011