Lilly Introduces Color Differentiation System for U-100

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Eli Lilly and Company has introduced a color differentiation system for U-100 insulin products marketed in the US, including vials, pens and individual packaging for Humalog and Humulin.

The Lilly color differentiation system - also used for Humalog and Humulin formulations marketed in Europe - follows the introduction of bar coding of packaging and insulin vials instituted in the US by Lilly in 2004. Combined, these safety measures offer patients, physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals a multi-tiered product identification and recognition system for Lilly's insulin products, said Eli Lilly.

With color differentiation, the redesigned labeling can help patients, healthcare providers and pharmacists accurately identify the insulin that has been prescribed, the company added.

Sherry Martin, associate medical director of Lilly USA, said: "Differentiating insulins with clearly printed labels and color-differentiated packaging has the potential to help reduce medication errors and improve safety for patients with diabetes. The use of color provides a supplemental recognition factor beyond the actual wording on the label."