<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA Patient Information Leaflet<\/strong> (PIL) is a document provided with prescription and non-prescription medications to inform patients about the medicine they are taking. It typically includes essential details such as the medicine’s name, its purpose or indications, dosage instructions, precautions, possible side effects, interactions with other medications or substances, and additional information for safe and effective use. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Patient Information Leaflet serves as a guide for patients to understand how to take their medication responsibly and what to expect while using it. It aims to promote informed decision-making and adherence to treatment plans while ensuring patient safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Abstract<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe purpose of patient information leaflets (PILs) is to inform patients about the administration, precautions and potential side effects of their prescribed medication. Despite European Commission guidelines aiming at increasing readability and comprehension of PILs little is known about the potential risk information has on patients. This article explores patients\u2019 reactions and subsequent behavior towards risk information conveyed in PILs of commonly prescribed drugs by general practitioners (GPs) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia; the most frequent cause for consultations in family practices in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Background<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA patient information leaflet is a technical document included in every medicine package to offer written information about the medication. Patient information leaflets (PILs) are provided by the manufacturer following a standard template consisting of the same types of information for every medication. Their main purpose is to inform patients about their medication regarding its administration, precautions and potential side effects. As required by Article 11 of Directive 2001\/83\/EC, the content of Patient Information Leaflet ought to be unbiased, evidence-based and presented in a clear, understandable and well-readable way to suit laypersons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n