Prescription labels can be puzzling to patients with low literacy

Researchers have found that patients with lower literacy skills have difficulty deciphering prescription labels, according to a new study released November 29 by the Annals of Internal Medicine. The researchers interviewed 395 English-speaking adults in three states who were classified as patients with low (sixth grade and below) marginal (seventh to eighth grade) or adequate (ninth grade and higher) literacy skills. Many patients could not interpret the directions for how frequently to take medication nor determine the correct dosage. Patients with low literacy also largely ignored additional warnings such as not taking a medication with dairy products or combining it with other drugs. Researchers said the format of labels should be redesigned and standardized, particularly in light of the fact that Americans are taking more medications annually. Read the news article at the American College of Physicians website. or the complete journal article at the Annals of Internal Medicine website.