2. DEFINITION
Every medicine pack includes a patient information leaflet (PIL), which
provides information on using the medicine safely. PILs are based on the
Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs) which are a description of a
medicinal product's properties and the conditions attached to its use.
It contains everything you need to know about your medicine. For example:
what the medicine is intended for
how you should use the medicine
when you should not use the medicine
when caution is advised
which adverse events are possible
which ingredients the medicine contains
3. Key Points
Complex language and
medical terms cause
difficulty in understanding
by patients
All the information should
be translated into lay-man
language.
Short sentences and/or
bullet points should be
used.
System organ class
arrangement should not
be used for side effects as
patients are unable to
follow the logic.
Side effects should be
grouped by seriousness to
enable patients to
understand when to take
action and what the
should be.
4. Guidelines before you start taking the
medicine
Read all of this leaflet carefully.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your health care provider.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It
may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
If any of the side effects becomes serious, or if you notice any side effects
not listed in this leaflet, please tell your health care provider.
6. 1. Identification of the medicine
The name of the medicine, the active substance(s), the pharmaceutical
form and the strength of the product should be stated.
2. Therapeutic Indications
The conditions for which the medicine is authorized must be listed.
The section should include any benefit information considered
appropriate.
7. 3. Information necessary before taking the
medicine
Situations where the medicine should not be used , any precautions,
warnings, interactions with other medicines or foods, information for
special group of patients (pregnant or nursing mothers) and any effects
the medicine may have on the patient’s ability to drive.
4. Dosage
How to take or use the medicine including both the route and method of
administration.
How often it should be given.
How long the course of treatment will last.
8. 5. Description of Side effects
All the effects which may occur under normal use of the medicine and
what action the patient should take if any of these occur. They should be
listed by seriousness and then by frequency.
6. Additional Information
This covers information on excipient detail, a description of the product,
registered pack sizes, storage conditions, name and address of the
manufacturer.