Change to printed information leaflets for several medicines used in France
QR codes will allow details to be updated and include videos of how to take medicine
The medicines will see information leaflets removed over the next two years
Sergei Gorin / Shutterstock
A trial into replacing printed information leaflets with digital ‘QR’ codes for more than 550 medicines has begun in France.
The move aims to cut down on paper waste as well as provide clearer information on usage and safety aspects of the medicine and allow quick updates. It is backed by the French medicine authorities (ANSM).
The QR codes appear on nearly 100 medicines sold over the counter in pharmacies (including paracetamol and some vaccines), and 474 used in hospitals.
The trial began on December 17 and will run for two years before its validity is assessed by healthcare professionals and potentially expanded. It was originally announced at the end of 2023.
How do the QR codes work?
QR codes are square boxes that can be scanned by the camera of a smartphone or other similar device.
Scanning the code takes users to a specific website – in this case an online database detailing the safety and usage information for the medicine in question, hosted on France’s Données Publique des Médicaments (public drug database).
As the information is held online, it can be updated whenever a change is required, such as in response to new safety information.
This is more flexible than the current method, where printed information in leaflets cannot be updated and in some cases means the medicines may need to be recalled.
There will also be videos showing the correct way to take the medicine.
All information included will be approved by the ANSM before being added to the digital booklet.
You can find further information about the trial on the official ANSM website.
Read more: Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025
