Which information is required on the label of a dispensed medication?

The inclusion of the generic name on a medication label is a crucial requirement in many jurisdictions, including North Carolina. This element provides consumers with important information about the medication they are receiving, helping to avoid confusion, especially when multiple brand names may exist for the same active ingredient. The generic name also assists healthcare professionals in identifying the medication and discussing it with patients.

Providing the generic name enhances patient safety by allowing for clearer communication regarding the drug's purpose, usage, and potential side effects. This requirement is part of efforts to promote the use of generic medications when appropriate, as they can often offer cost-effective alternatives to brand-name drugs.

While other pieces of information such as the pharmacy phone number, pharmacist's initials, and refill information may be helpful for patient reference and operational practices, they are not universally mandated on every medication label like the generic name is. This highlights the essential role that generic names play in ensuring that patients receive clear and comprehensible medication information.