Prevention of Medication Errors through Labeling and Packaging Elements—the Program at Bristol-Myers Squibb

The issue of medication errors is not a new one, although recently it has become a matter of increasing intense public interest and concern. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), an ethical pharmaceutical manufacturer, has always been actively concerned with ensuring the proper use of its drug products, and in the past has made modifications to the labeling of certain products specifically to reduce the risk of error by medical providers. Beginning in 1998, immediately following a public meeting on this topic sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration, the company began a formal initiative to address this issue more generally, working through a special “labeling council” within BMS to determine and then implement practical measures for reducing the risk of medical provider error associated with labeling and packaging of its products. Among these measures were implementation of an internal code of practice adapted from recommendations developed by the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCCMERP). BMS is also contributing to industry-wide efforts to address this public health issue through its active support of the Safe Use of Medicines Task Force formed by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).