Version 2.

Date of publication 8 October 2015

Date of implementation 28 January 2019

 Guidance for Graphic Design of
Medication Packaging

Version 2.0

Drug Sector
Saudi Food & Drug Authority

Please visit SFDA’s website at

http://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/drug/drug_reg/Pages/default.aspx
for the latest update

For Inquiries [email protected]

For Comments or Suggestions [email protected]

2
 Drug Sector

Vision and Mission

Vision
To be the leading regional Drug Regulatory Authority for pharmaceuticals and cosmetic
products, with professional excellence and services that contribute to the protection and
advancement of public health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

‫الرؤية‬
‫ ويقدم خدماته مبهنية ممتزية تسهم يف حامية‬،‫أن يكون قطاع ادلواء رائد ًا اقلميي ًا يف الرقابة عىل الدوية ومس تحرضات التجميل‬
.‫وتعزيز الصحة يف اململكة العربية السعودية‬

Mission
Protecting public health by ensuring safety, quality, efficacy and accessibility of human,
veterinary drugs and biological products, and safety of cosmetics, through administration of a
national regulatory system which is consistent with international best practice. Through our
mission, we also provide accurate and scientific-based information to the public and healthcare
professionals.

‫الرساةل‬
‫حامية الصحة العامة من خالل ضامن أمان وجودة وفعالية وتوفر الدوية البرشية والبيطرية واملنتجات احليوية وسالمة مواد‬
‫التجميل عرب تطبيق نظام وطين للرقابة متوافق مع أفضل املامرسات ادلولية وتقدمي املعلومات ادلوائية املبنية عىل أسس علمية‬
.‫للعامة واملهنيني الصحيني‬

3
Document Control

Version Author Date Comments

1.0 Executive Directorate 8 October 2015 Draft

of Pharmacovigilance

Executive Directorate This guidelines

of Pharmacovigilance separated from the
2.0 28 January 2019
“Guidelines on
Container Closure
Systems”

4
Table of Contents

I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 7
II. Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 7
III. Design Recommendations for Primary Packaging (Blister Packs) ..................................... 8
1. Blister Packs for Oral Medications.......................................................................................... 8
1.1 Product name and strength .................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Blister strips foil ................................................................................................................ 10
1.3 Type and background color ............................................................................................... 11
1.4 Type size and font color .................................................................................................... 12
1.5 Match the styles of primary and secondary packaging...................................................... 13
IV. Design Recommendations for Secondary Packaging ........................................................ 14
1. Allocate white space for the dispensing label ....................................................................... 14
a. Brand name, generic name and strength position .............................................................. 14
2. Put critical information in the same field of vision on at least three non-opposing faces (one
side for Arabic & one side for English)......................................................................................... 16
3. Orient text in the same direction............................................................................................ 17
4. Use blank space to emphasize critical information ............................................................... 18
5. Ensure the generic product name is suitably clear ................................................................ 19
6. Differentiate between strengths of the same pharmaceutical product ................................... 20
7. Do not add trailing zeros to numbers .................................................................................... 21
8. Use the same unit for all different strengths from the same pharmaceutical product ........... 22
9. Use of leading zero ................................................................................................................ 23
10. Critical information size .................................................................................................... 24
11. Use upper and lower case lettering .................................................................................... 25
12. Use sans serif typefaces ..................................................................................................... 26
13. Use bold or semi-bold type................................................................................................ 27
14. Condensed typefaces ......................................................................................................... 28
15. Do not compress lines of text close together or adjust the space between letters ............. 29
16. Align text to the left for English & to the right for Arabic ................................................ 30
17. Images and logos ............................................................................................................... 31
18. Create a strong contrast between type and background color ........................................... 32
V. Using Color ........................................................................................................................... 33
1. Use color differentiation to highlight information of the same pharmaceutical product ....... 33

5
Packaging Design Summary.......................................................................................................... 35
VI. A Guide to Labeling and Packaging of Injectable Pharmaceutical products .................... 36
1. Principal Display Panel for carton (PDP): (in the red box below) ........................................ 36
1.1. Features of front panel ....................................................................................................... 36
1.2. Use of color ....................................................................................................................... 38
1.3. Similar drug name ............................................................................................................. 39
1.4. Strength ............................................................................................................................. 40
1.5. Concentration .................................................................................................................... 41
1.6. Administration route.......................................................................................................... 42
1.7. Warnings ........................................................................................................................... 43
1.8. Injectable pharmaceutical products intended for use by patients ...................................... 44
2. Ampoules............................................................................................................................... 45
2.1. Text orientation ................................................................................................................. 45
2.2. Labeling methods .............................................................................................................. 46
2.3. Plastic ampoules ................................................................................................................ 48
3. Vials....................................................................................................................................... 49
3.1. Critical information panel.................................................................................................. 49
3.2. Text orientation ................................................................................................................. 50
3.3. Color schemes ................................................................................................................... 51
4. Pre-filled syringes .................................................................................................................. 52
4.1. Secondary packaging ......................................................................................................... 52
4.2. Text orientation on syringe ................................................................................................ 53
5. Infusion bags ......................................................................................................................... 54
5.1. Text positioning ................................................................................................................. 54
5.2. Font.................................................................................................................................... 55
5.3. Bag volume........................................................................................................................ 56
5.4. Use of color ....................................................................................................................... 57
5.5. Bag Unit ............................................................................................................................ 58
5.6. Route of administration ..................................................................................................... 58
5.7. Product differentiation ....................................................................................................... 59
5.8. Surface finish ..................................................................................................................... 60
References: .................................................................................................................................... 61

6
 I. Introduction
This guidance is complementary to the GCC Guidance for Presenting the SPC (Summary
of Product Characteristics), PIL (Patient Information leaflet), and Labeling Information
with more illustrations and details to minimize medication errors.

It is intended for solid oral dosage forms, which are the most common type of primary
packaging, and secondary packaging used on the container label. It also should be used for
all injectable medicines as well. The design considerations and principles outlined also can
be applied to other products dosage forms.

II. Scope
This guidance is applicable to SFDA registered or under-registration medicinal products
intended for human use in Saudi Arabia.

7
III. Design Recommendations for Primary Packaging (Blister Packs)

1. Blister Packs for Oral Medications

1.1 Product name and strength
The name and strength of the product should appear over each blister pocket. Batch number
and expiry date should be applied on each blister pocket as well. If it is not possible, the
batch number and expiry date should be added at the end of each blister strip, preferably at
both ends.

√ X
Figure 1

8
Optional: If the medication is given every day, print the days of the week on the reverse
side of the blister or capsule.

Figure 2

In certain cases (such as: small blister) it may not be possible to design the packaging
to accommodate all critical information on each blister cell. In such circumstances,
important information can appear multiple times across the back of the blister or the
important information should be displayed in such a manner that it is not destroyed or
eliminated when dosage units are removed.

9
 1.2 Blister strips foil
Use non reflective, matte material. Reflective foil can cause glare by light reflecting on the
foil which reduces the legibility of any information.

√ X
Figure 3

10
 1.3 Type and background color
Type color should contrast strongly with background color. Legibility can be reduced by
the combined effect of the foil material, a small font size and a background color that does
not sufficiently contrast with the font color.

√ X
Figure 4

11
 1.4 Type size and font color
Use bold or semi-bold type and avoid lightweight type. Maximize the font size to a size
that is appropriate for the size of the container. Small type size and a lightweight font on a
foil background impairs legibility.

√ X
Figure 5

12
 1.5 Match the styles of primary and secondary packaging [optional]
A product’s primary and secondary packaging should have an identical or linked visual
style.

Figure 6

Patients taking more than one pharmaceutical product, or the same pharmaceutical product
in two or more strengths, must be able to identify which blister strip belongs to which
packet because the prescription instructions are attached to the secondary packaging.

Mixing up packages and blister strips could lead to the patient taking the wrong medication
or even overdosing.

13
IV. Design Recommendations for Secondary Packaging
Secondary packaging describes the outer package of a pharmaceutical product. It serves to
hold the primary packaging and is not in contact with the product. The combined impact
of all design elements, such as color and typography, should be evaluated.

Company’s pharmaceutical products should not have the same theme for outer package
and should differentiate between them, to avoid similarity between products and prevent
medication error.

1. Allocate white space for the dispensing label [optional]

Have a clearly designated white space for the dispensing label if possible. Label
dimensions vary but a minimum of 70 x 35 mm is suggested, as this is the most common
size for dispensing. The white space should not interfere or cover the legibility of the
critical information on either side.

Figure 7

1.1 Brand name, generic name and strength position

The brand name, generic name and strength of the product should be directly above or
beside the space provided for the dispensing label. Pharmacy staff can then easily check
that the product description on the dispensing label correctly matches that on the secondary
packaging.

14
 √

Figure 8

15
 2. Put critical information in the same field of vision on at least three non-
opposing faces (one side for Arabic & one side for English)
A standard packaging container has six faces on which information can be displayed.
Critical information should be in the same field of vision on at least 3 of the non-opposing
faces of the secondary packaging. This means putting the information on the top or bottom
face, one of the side faces, and one of the end faces. If it is feasible, display a product
description (the brand name, generic name and dosage strength of the product) on more
than three non-opposing faces.

Figure 9

16
 3. Orient text in the same direction [optional]
The text on every face, excluding the ends, should be oriented in the same direction in a
way to easily read the information when the product is placed at any side on the shelf.

Figure 10

17
 4. Use blank space to emphasize critical information
Leave sufficient space around critical information, so that it can be easily seen. If the
secondary packaging is cluttered with text and images, it can be difficult to recognize
important information and identify the correct packaging.

Critical information is

1. Brand and generic name of the product.

2. Strength and dosage form.
3. Total volume or concentration of vial and bottle, plus the “per mL” amount (e.g.,
10 mg/2 mL and 5 mg/mL).
4. Warning statements in some cases.

The net quantity number should be moved away from the strength number

√ X
Figure 11

18
 5. Ensure the generic product name is suitably clear
The generic name should be at least 50% the size of the brand name. Patients can be given
different brands of the same medication which can lead to them confusing brand names
with generic names. This can result in them taking multiple doses of the same medication.

Figure 12

19
 6. Differentiate between strengths of the same pharmaceutical product
Make pharmaceutical product strengths stand out through typeface, type weight, color and
shape. This is particularly important if all secondary packaging from a manufacturer looks
similar.

Figure 13

20
 7. Do not add trailing zeros to numbers
Do not add trailing zeros to numbers; always use whole numbers. If numbers have a trailing
zero (a decimal point followed by a zero, for example 5.0 mg) it is easy to miss the decimal
point and dispense a tenfold overdose. For example, a practitioner could administer 50 mg
instead of 5 mg.

Figure 14

21
 8. Use the same unit for all different strengths from the same
pharmaceutical product
In addition, different strengths of the same pharmaceutical product should be expressed in
the same way, such as 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg. (e.g., 500 mg, not 0.5 g)

Figure 15

22
 9. Use of leading zero
For an amount less than one, always use a leading zero to avoid any confusion in the
concentration (for example use 0.25 not .25).

Figure 16

23
 10. Critical information size
Use the largest size font possible for that package size so that the information is readable
and clear.

Figure 17

24
 11. Use upper and lower case lettering
Entire sentences written in upper case letters or italic type are hard to read. Use the lower
case except for the first letter of the generic names, brand names, sentences or paragraphs.
Italic types should not be used where there is an alternative method of emphasis such as
bold type. Mixed case lettering should always be used for sentences.

Figure 18

25
 12. Use sans serif typefaces
Use a sans serif typeface, such as Arial, Helvetica or Universe. The choice of typeface
influences legibility. Ornate typefaces are difficult to read. They are not suitable for
medication packaging, where clarity, accuracy and legibility must be paramount.

Figure 19

26
 13. Use bold or semi-bold type
Lightweight type reduces legibility. Patients, especially those who are partially sighted,
find bolder type easier to read. Use bold or semi-bold type and avoid lightweight type for
all critical information.

X
Figure 20

27
 14. Condensed typefaces
Do not use condensed typefaces when possible. Condensed typefaces reduce legibility and
increase the chance of error. Condensed typefaces may be necessary on blister packs on
each pocket and on small vials to fit all the required information, but should not be used
when there is adequate space for normal typeface.

Figure 21

28
 15. Do not compress lines of text close together or adjust the space between
letters
Reducing the space between lines, known as the leading, and reducing the space between
letters, known as the kerning, affects legibility. Do not compress lines of text close
together. Leave enough space between lines and letters.

Figure 22

29
 16. Align text to the left for English & to the right for Arabic
An irregular amount of space between words affects legibility. Align text to the left hand
margin and do not center justify text. Align all English text including the critical
information to left side (left justified) and for the Arabic version, it should be aligned to
the right side (right justified).

Figure 23

30
 17. Images and logos
Images or logos should not be near the text, as it could interfere with reading it, or it may
look like it is part of the text. Text should remain unbroken. Fitting text around or over
images or logos breaks the flow of information.

Figure 24

31
 18. Create a strong contrast between type and background color
There should be a strong color contrast between the type and background colors. Dark
colored type (e.g. black, dark blue) should be on a light colored background (e.g. white,
pale pink, pale yellow). The reverse is true as well. Insufficient contrast between the
background and the type reduces legibility.

Figure 25

32
 V. Using Color
Secondary packaging describes the outer package of a pharmaceutical product. It serves to
hold the primary packaging and is not contact with the product. The combined impact of
all design elements, such as color and typography, should be evaluated.

1. Use color differentiation to highlight information of the same

pharmaceutical product
Use color to distinguish between, for example, different strengths of the same
pharmaceutical product and between similarly named pharmaceutical products.

Figure 26

33
Do not color code packaging. A color coding system allows people to memorize a color
and match it to a particular product. However, creating a shortcut for identifying a
pharmaceutical product without having to read the label can lead to mistakes. It is important
that practitioners do not rely on color as a means to identify a specific product, as many
manufacturers may use the same color for different products, or different strengths of the
same product.

34
 Packaging Design Summary
Issues Recommendations
Primary packaging
Glare caused by light reflecting on the foil Use non-reflective foil
Text damaged when blister strip is cut Put pharmaceutical product name and
strength clearly on each pocket
Reduced legibility due to combined effect Create a strong contrast between type and
of foil material, small type size and background color
background color
Reduced legibility due to combined effect Use bold or semi-bold type
of a small type size and lightweight font
on a foil background
Blister strip with the wrong secondary Match the styles of primary and secondary
packaging packaging
Secondary packaging
Pharmaceutical product name and strength Allocate 70 x 35mm white space for
obscured dispensing label
Dispensing label and pharmaceutical Position the generic name and
product name mismatched pharmaceutical product strength above or
next to the space for the dispensing label
Critical information does not appear in the Put critical information in the same field of
same field of vision vision on at least three non-opposing faces
Compressing lines of text close together or Do not squash lines of text closer together
reducing the distance between individual or adjust the spaces between letters
letters makes text difficult to read
Irregular amount of space between words Align text to the left for English, and right
for Arabic
Text illegible over an image or logo Logo should not be placed near text
Insufficient contrast between background Create a strong contrast between type and
and type background color
Using color
Color differentiation inadvertently Use color differentiation to highlight
associated with a particular feature information
Color does not help distinguish between Use opposing, meaningless colors
products in a manufacturer’s range

35
VI. A Guide to Labeling and Packaging of Injectable Pharmaceutical products
1. Principal Display Panel for carton (PDP): (in the red box below)
1.1. Features of front panel
Create a front panel that features only the critical information. Subsequent (noncritical)
information can be shown on the back panel.
Minimum information consists of:
 Trade name
 Generic drug name
 Concentration of the pharmaceutical product:
 Total quantity in the container (large font)
 Concentration per unit volume (smaller font).
 Administration route(s)
 Significant Warnings

36
 Key information becomes
difficult to find when
information is printed on
packaging in a dense block
using text in a small font.

√ X
Figure 27

37
 1.2. Use of color
Use color to highlight key differences in information: the drug name, the quantity
concentration or warning if appropriate.
Apply the color scheme consistently throughout the primary and secondary packaging.

√ X
Figure 28

38
 1.3. Similar drug name
Highlight the differences between similar generic or brand names from the same company.
This could be done through the use of color, or font sizes.
Change the graphic component to ensure an added element of differentiation; for example
this can be done by using different colors.

√ X
Use Different colors or font size to differentiate between generic names of look-alike and sound-alike products
from the same company

Figure 29

39
 1.4. Strength
Include a representation of the full volume strength, i.e. total quantity in total volume, as
well as amount per unit volume (e.g., 25 mg per 5 mL, then directly underneath and in
parentheses 5 mg/mL).
Care should be taken with the spacing between mg and ml. Adjust the kerning so as to
leave sufficient space around the “/” to achieve maximum legibility. It is acceptable to use
the slash mark (/) if the number after the slash is a 1, as in 1 ml. If the number is something
else, then use the “per” (for example, 50 mg per 2 mL, not 50 mg /2 mL). A slash can be
mistaken for the number 1, so the concentration could be misread (for the above example,
could be read as 50 mg in 12 mL, instead of 2 mL).

√ X
Figure 30

40
 1.5. Concentration
Display concentration in total quantity /total volume, even if other units of concentration
such as percentage and ratios (for example ‘1 in 1,000’) are also present.
When using numbers of 1,000 and above, use commas to help prevent misreading.
Do not superimpose information on other information.

√ X
Figure 31

41
 1.6. Administration route
Make positive statements- use ‘do’s’, rather than ‘do not’s’ as much as possible.
Use specific directions and avoid using technical terms that are not well understood. (e.g.
‘For Parenteral Use’ meaning: For intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous,
intrathecal).

Routes which should

not be used are stated
rather than routes that
should.
Always use positive
statements regarding
the route of
administration.

√ X
Figure 32

42
 1.7. Warnings
Separate warning notices from the main part of the text and highlight the warning.

Proprietary Name Proprietary Name

Generic Name Generic Name
500 mg 500 mg

Must be diluted before use. Must be diluted before use. Warning about
For injection or infusion as sodium salts. For injection or infusion as sodium salts. unusually high doses
Read directions for use carefully. Read directions for use carefully. or potential allergies,
for example, are often
Store below 25°C. Store below 25°C.
not highlighted and
become lost in dense

√ X blocks of text

Figure 33

43
 1.8. Injectable pharmaceutical products intended for use by patients
[optional]
For injectable pharmaceutical products that are intended for use by patients, leave a clearly
designated blank space for the pharmacy label that is a minimum size of 70 x 35 mm.
Position the drug name and strength near the space.
For injectable pharmaceutical products that come in a multi dose format as insulin, it is
recommended that the drug concentration be represented as strength per unit volume.

Figure 34

44
 2. Ampoules
2.1. Text orientation
Print the pharmaceutical product name longitudinally, along the length of the ampoule. A
good rule of thumb is: if the visible width of the label is less than the height of the label
then the name should be printed longitudinally.
 The information listed below is the minimum and must be present on containers
more than 10 ml (the small container exceptions apply to containers of 10 ml
or less):
1. Pharmaceutical product name (brand name and nonproprietary name)
2. Expression of strength
3. Route of administration
4. Warnings, where important
5. Expiry date
6. Batch number
7. Marketing authorization holder

√ X
Figure 35

45
 2.2. Labeling methods
- Use paper labeling where possible, and ensure that the label does not wrap
completely around the ampoule to allow for inspection of contents.
If ceramic or clear plastic labeling must be used, highlight key information by
inverting the text color.
Keep information to a minimum and reduce overlapping with text from the reverse
side as much as possible.
Labels should not come off in use and should be printed with ink that does not run
when sprayed with alcohol to disinfect the ampoule surface in the pharmacy or
during clinical procedures.

√ X
Figure 36

46
 - We recommend the addition of a peel-off label on ampoules or vials, which can be
transferred to a syringe in practice, will help practitioners avoid selection errors.
All syringes containing pharmaceutical products should be labeled if they leave the
operator’s hands.

Figure 37

47
 2.3. Plastic ampoules
 Use a clear font size.
 Information should be printed on paper label, if possible or direct on the
ampoule with good contrast color.
 Use color to help to differentiate between products of the same company.
 Eliminate or reduce emphasis on the name of the container type such as ‘Plas-
Amp’.
 Expiry dates and batch numbers should be easy-to-read and printed on the main
body of the container, not on rip-off tabs.
 Where concentrations are shown, they should be expressed as total quantity in
total volume (e.g., 20 mg per10 ml) as well as the per unit volume (e.g., 2 mg/
mL).

Figure 38

48
 3. Vials
3.1. Critical information panel
Create an area, which highlights the critical information. This area should not be wider
than the width of the bottle in order to allow seeing the critical information without the
need to turn the vial (i.e., along a single line of vision).

Use appropriate font size and formatting to enable the generic drug name to be read in one
glance. The generic name should be at least 50% the size of the brand name.

Key information
can be hard to find
in dense text.

√ X
Figure 39

49
 3.2. Text orientation
The drug name should be able to be seen in a single line of vision. If the full drug name
cannot be seen when the vial is upright, then the label should be oriented in a longitudinal
fashion, in order to have the drug name in a single line of vision.

√ X
Figure 40

50
 3.3. Color schemes
Match the design of the vial label to that of the carton.
Where the flip cap is colored, use the predominant differentiating color that has been used
on the label and carton if possible.

Figure 41

51
 4. Pre-filled syringes
4.1. Secondary packaging
Vary the design of the secondary packaging of similar products to enable easy
identification. Pre-filled syringes that may be required during a medical emergency can be
easily confused, especially when there is minimal differentiation on the outer packaging.
Consider the use of different colored components, for example, plungers or caps, to
emphasize differences. Pharmaceutical products that come in a wide range of
concentrations and doses can also be mistaken for each other.
Outer packaging, once opened, should not be easily re-sealable and should clearly indicate
that the pre-filled syringe has been removed to prevent a delay in treatment if the empty
pack is placed back into stock.

√ X
Figure 42

52
 4.2. Text orientation on syringe
Orient text along the length of the syringe so critical information can be read holding it in
the right hand, without rotating the syringe. When text is oriented around the syringe it
necessitates a small font size which can be difficult to read.
Invert text color or use a background color to prevent text showing through.
Volume markings should always be visible and not covered by labels.

Figure 43

53
 5. Infusion bags
5.1. Text positioning
The critical information should be placed at the top of the bag; this information (especially
the drug name and strength/concentration) should be repeated at the bottom of the bag so
that as the bag empties it can still be visualized.
Position the batch number and expiry date close together.
Invert the key information text to draw the eye to it. Key information is lost in dense blocks
of text.

√ √ X
Figure 44

54
 5.2. Font
The choice of font should be carefully considered to ensure adequate spacing between
letters also the ink should not bleed. Use a san serif font as with other labels.
For multi-ingredients products, list the ingredients in table format if possible.

√ X
Figure 45

55
 5.3. Bag volume
For fluids that comes in different volume sizes, give emphasis to the volume of infusion.
Vary other elements of the design to increase differentiation between labels.
When listing ingredients on the infusion bags, the strength should be represented as
quantity per container.

√ X
Figure 46

56
 5.4. Use of color
It is important to differentiate between identified high-alert infusions.
Use bold blocks of color that stand out and draw the eye to the critical information and
warnings.

√ X
Figure 47

57
 5.5. Bag Unit
Where the strength of pharmaceutical product is expressed in mmol, it should be
represented as mmol/container volume.
5.6. Route of administration
Highlight the route of administration, particularly if it is different from the norm.

√ X
Figure 48

58
 5.7. Product differentiation
Ensure there is an additional differentiator in addition to the text. For example, use color
or, if this is not possible, vary the graphic components.

Figure 49

59
 5.8. Surface finish
Use matte materials where possible to improve legibility. If materials used for the fluid
bags and overwraps are reflective, the combination of the two materials can lead to
impaired visibility of key information.

√ X
Figure 50

60
References:

 A guide to labeling and packaging injectable medicine , edition 1, 2008 National

patient Safety Agency (NHS)
 A guide to the graphic design of medication packaging, 2nd edition , 2007 , National
Patient Safety Agency (NHS)
 A guide to the design of dispensed medicines, 1st edition, 2007, National Patient Safety
Agency (NHS)
 The US Draft guidance, “Safety Considerations for Container Labels and Carton
Labeling to Minimize Medication Errors ”, April 2014
 This guidance was reviewed by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
subsidiary, Med-ERRS (www.med-errs.com) www.ismp.org

61