3D Screen Printing Enables Application of Integrated QR Codes on Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms in Mass Production – A Game Changer

Abstract

Quick Response (QR) codes have shown enormous potential to improve the flow of information from industry to providers and patients, by enabling access to supplemental safety data, potential drug interactions, among numerous other use-cases in real-time. Advances in 3D printing technology, such as 3D screen printing (3DSP), have allowed for mass customization of pharmaceuticals down to the single-tablet level. The integration of in-drug labeling of pharmaceuticals with unique identifying information, such as QR codes, has been shown to reduce medication errors, improve patient safety, and provide a viable mechanism for remote patient monitoring and identifying counterfeit drugs. This review investigates the progress that has been made in the last few years in using QR codes for drug labeling, with a specific focus on the potential for using 3D printing technology, including screen printing, to expedite QR code integration at the single tablet level.