SPOTLIGHT: FDA mandates electronic labels

The Food and Drug Administration said it wants pharmaceutical companies to submit label information in an electronic format. Drug companies will now be required to submit prescribing and product information in the structured product labeling (SPL) format. The idea is to make sure that the latest drug safety information is readily accessible to both practitioners and consumers and that updates can made quickly. The FDA is also establishing DailyMed, a new Web site that will serve as a clearinghouse for label information. In the future, physicians will be able to search the FDA's database for data on possible adverse reactions and other prescribing details. DailyMed (Demo site) | Release