26 October 2023

INTERGRAF CALLS FOR THE RETENTION OF PAPER LEAFLETS IN MEDICINAL PRODUCTS

Printing trade body Intergraf is calling on the European Union to reconsider a proposed Directive which will allow EU countries to opt out of providing printed leaflets with medicines. Intergraf is concerned that digital-only access to guidance leaflets threatens patient safety and choice.   

As a member of Intergraf, the BPIF supports the campaign to ensure printed safety guidance is retained in all pharmaceutical packaging in the EU. In Priorities for Print 2022-24 we drew attention to the fact that print is a highly effective medium when it comes to conveying information to the public.

Although there is no sign the UK Government plans to follow suit, we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments. If you print pharma leaflets for the EU market, do let us know.

Intergraf takes a stand in defence of consumer rights, particularly those related to medicinal products for human use. Intergraf urges the European Union to reconsider Article 63.3 of the proposed Directive on Medicinal Products, emphasizing the essential role of medical leaflets in pharmaceutical packaging.

 Accessibility and patients’ safety

The legislative proposal under consideration aims to ensure the accessibility and safety of patient information in a digital format. While this goal is commendable, Eurostat 2023 data point out the stark reality that 70.7% of Europeans possess only basic, low, or no digital skills, whereas 7.5% of European households have no internet access. Thus, the reliance on digital access to medication information risks excluding many patients, particularly those who are vulnerable due to age, lack of digital skills, or limited resources. The advancement of the digital healthcare system should not result in the exclusion of a significant part of the population; it is crucial to prioritize the safety and health of all patients.

Patient’s right to printed leaflet

Article 63.3 proposes that patients can request free printed copies of digital-only package leaflets. However, this idea lacks practical implementation solutions. Pharmacies cannot meet the rigorous printing standards and security requirements for medical leaflets, unlike industrial-level processes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Printed and digital leaflets are not mutually exclusive

Intergraf underscores the importance of complementarity between electronic product information (ePI) and paper leaflets. ePI enhances access to medicinal information for some demographics but cannot replace paper leaflets accompanying medicines. The exclusive use of ePI should only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as when medicines are administered by medical professionals, like in-hospital patients.

In light of these concerns, Intergraf calls for the mandatory retention of paper leaflets in the packaging of medicinal products. 

Intergraf’s position paper on the proposal is available here. 

The press release is also available here. 

Intergraf is a supporter of MLPS – Medical Leaflet = Product Safety, which regroups specialist and regulated healthcare packaging producers.