Schreiner launches tamper-evident security label for vials

Schreiner MediPharm has launched its Pharma-Comb label product in a format that can counteract the illegal trade in empty pharmaceutical glass containers that have been disposed of as waste.

The new version (pictured) clearly indicates that a vial has been opened and prevents it from being re-used and sold on as an original product. This "prevents ineffective substitutes that pose a health risk to patients from being filled into original containers," says Schreiner in a statement.

Used glass containers marked with conventional labels can be refilled and sold as original products, said the company, which says conventional security features such as holograms or colour-shifting effects offer no protection against this form of tampering.

The Pharma-Comb Void label is destroyed by the first user by pulling off the strip that tears open the label and also encloses the vial’s cap. Two void messages - 'Opened' and 'Used' - then appear in two indicator fields.

After the label has been opened, an additional, self-lifting label part is exposed which the physician or nurse can detach to mark the syringe.

"The Pharma-Comb Void label provides healthcare professionals with a reliable tool to identify authentic products," according to Schreiner.

"The label helps increase pharmaceutical product safety, and systematically protects patients from receiving harmful counterfeit drugs."