The importance of affixing the correct pharmaceutical labels to drugs has been highlighted after problems with labelling resulted in treatment delays in Ireland.

According to the Irish Independent, cancer patients in the country have been waiting for two weeks for vital chemotherapy drugs because of medication shortages.

Pharmacists have also raised concerns that supply issues are affecting the treatment of chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.
Darragh O' Loughlin, president of the Irish Pharmacy Union, said: "There has always been a problem with supply but it has worsened recently."

Some pharmacists have blamed the shortage on problems with labelling, production issues and unexpected rises in demand for certain treatments.

Supplies of anti-psychotic s and some blood pressure medications have been affected by the issue.

Dr Neil Boyle, vice-president of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, reassured patients that pricing did not impact of drug supply in Ireland.

Recent research conducted in the US found that patients may benefit from clearer pharmaceutical Fix-a-Form labels on over-the-counter medication.

Denny Bros Ltd, 10 May 2011