Beware! The Secrets Behind 7 Types of Medicine Logos!
29 Aug 2023 17:00 by Rizki Aprilia
The presence of medicine logos can be found on every medicine packaging. However, people often overlook them. Yet, there are many types of medicine logos. Each logo has different meanings that indicate the category of the medicine and warnings that need to be heeded.
So, let's start being more attentive to medicine logos from now on. What are they? Pharmacist and Lecturer of S1 Pharmacy at IIK Bhakti Wiyata Apt. Dyah Ayu Kusumaratni, M.Farm explains the various types of medicine logos commonly found on medicine packaging, as follows.
- Over-the-Counter Medicine
Marked by a green circle with a black border. Medicines with this logo are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This means that these medicines can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Examples of such medicines include paracetamol and multivitamins.
- Pharmacy-Only Medicine
Identified by a blue circle with a black border. Medicines with this logo fall into the category of pharmacy-only medicines. You can purchase these medicines without a prescription, but they come with specific usage warnings. "So you must be careful and follow the instructions," says Dyah.
The blue logo is accompanied by warning signs for proper medicine use. These warning signs are represented by four black rectangles with white lettering, consisting of 6 types, as follows.
- P. No. 1. Caution! Strong Medicine. Read the usage instructions.
- P. No. 2. Caution! Strong Medicine. Only for gargling, do not swallow.
- P. No. 3. Caution! Strong Medicine. Only for external use.
- P. No. 4. Caution! Strong Medicine. Only for burning.
- P. No. 5. Caution! Strong Medicine. Do not swallow.
- P. No. 6. Caution! Strong Medicine. For hemorrhoids, do not swallow. Examples of medicines in this category include chlorpheniramine (CTM), theophylline, tremenza, and lactobion.
- Prescription-Only Medicine
A red circular logo with a black border. It has the letter K in the center touching the border. This falls into the category of prescription-only medicines. As the name suggests, you need a doctor's prescription to purchase these medicines. You should not take them casually. Proper usage must comply with the doctor's recommendations. Examples of prescription-only medicines include mefenamic acid, loratadine, alprazolam, and pseudoephedrine.
- Narcotic Medicine
This type of medicine is marked by a white circle with a red border. There is a cross inside the circle. It's called narcotic medicine because it can lead to addiction. Therefore, its use requires strict supervision according to the patient's needs.
The use of this type of medicine must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription. "It must be an original prescription, copying is not allowed," explains Dyah. These medicines can only be sold in pharmacies and hospitals.
In addition to the four logos above, there are also traditional medicines or natural ingredients. According to the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) regulations, there are 3 logos for traditional medicines, as follows.
- Herbal Medicine (Jamu)
The symbol for herbal medicine is a green branch. This represents traditional medicines made from plants, animals, minerals, and processed materials. These herbal medicines have not undergone scientific research and are used based on experience.
- Standardized Herbal Medicine
This logo is characterized by a yellow circle with a green border and three green stars. It represents standardized herbal medicines. "Natural medicines with standardized raw materials and meet safety requirements, as well as quality in accordance with the requirements and claims of efficacy proven scientifically," she explained.
- Phytopharmaceutical Medicine
A yellow logo with a green border. It features star-shaped leaf veins within a circle. This falls into the category of phytopharmaceutical medicines. These are natural medicines with standardized raw materials and finished products. They also meet quality requirements according to applicable regulations, safety status, and their efficacy has been scientifically proven through clinical trials.
After learning about the various types of medicine logos, Dyah recommends that the public should be more concerned about the medicines they consume. "Every medicine has benefits and side effects that need to be watched out for. So, it's important to consult with a pharmacist first," she emphasizes.
Are you interested in studying medicine logos in more detail? Come and study Pharmacy at IIK Bhakti Wiyata. Watch the full video on YouTube IIK Bhakta
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