Having good information about products and diseases is essential to properly manage our health. Medicines authorized in the EU come with a package leaflet which provides the information needed for the safe and effective use of the medicine. 

However, the content of these leaflets currently has several shortcomings: language that is hard to understand; a design and layout that lacks readability and is not always user-friendly; too much emphasis on risks versus benefits of the medicinal product. People with low literacy are particularly disadvantaged, but generally these issues apply to all patient groups. 

With the review of pharmaceutical legislation and health literacy becoming a priority, this is an opportunity to broaden the debate on how to make the package leaflet more fit for purpose.

Electronic product information (ePI), or e-leaflet, has the potential to address some of the limitations posed by the paper version. ePI can be more dynamic in presentation format with searchable menus, language change and links. It can integrate media tools to help accessibility and visual recommendations of use. It also presents the advantage of being able to have automatic updates. However, in the case of non-prescription medicines, as there may not be any interaction with a healthcare professional that can advise, a paper version of the product information should always remain available with the medicine if needed. 

The development and public use of electronic product information (ePI), self-assessment and self-monitoring applications will help people easily access reliable sources of information and provide a solid foundation for more resilient healthcare systems.

Read our Position Paper on the transition of patient information

Read the European Pharma Industry Joint Position Paper on Patient information on medicinal products