Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

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ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
No. 2014 - ___________
SUBJECT:

I.

Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Generic

Labeling Requirements of Pharmaceutical Products for
Human Use

RATIONALE
Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution declares that the
State recognizes the right of the people to gain information on matters of public
concern, such as those relating to health and health products.
Labels and labeling materials are the primary source of information for
consumers. They provide useful information such as those dealing with the safe
and effective use of a pharmaceutical product (e.g., indication(s), pharmacologic
class and dosage), and information dealing with quality (e.g., manufacturing and
expiration dates, registration number, and manufacturer).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the regulatory authority of
the Philippines responsible for all matters pertaining to pharmaceutical products,
has crafted several issuances to ensure that drug establishments provide the most
accurate information relating to their products. In the course of the enforcement of
these issuances, coupled with the advent of globalization and development of
harmonization schemes of technical procedures and requirements applicable to
the pharmaceutical industries in the ASEAN region, gaps in regulations have been
identified, and the need for a more transparent and clear regulatory guideline
pertaining to labels has been raised.
Hence, this Order is issued to rationalize the regulations on labeling of
pharmaceutical products for human use, as well as to address the gaps and issues
raised for the effective implementation of the declared policy.

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila Trunk Line 651-7800 Direct Line: 711-9501
Fax: 743-1829; 743-1786 URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph; e-mail: [email protected]

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II.

DECLARATION OF POLICY
It is declared a policy of the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them, as provided
under Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Furthermore, it
is declared a policy of the State to protect consumers against hazards to health and
safety, and to provide information to facilitate sound choice in the proper exercise
of their rights as consumers.
In the implementation of the foregoing policy, the Department of Health,
through the Food and Drug Administration, is mandated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5 (o) of Republic Act 9711, otherwise known as the Food
and Drug Administration Act of 2009, to prescribe standards, guidelines, and
regulations with respect to information, advertisements and other marketing
instruments and promotion, sponsorship, and other marketing activities about
health products.

III.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Administrative Order is to rationalize the existing
rules and regulations on generic labeling requirements of pharmaceutical
products, consistent with the harmonized requirements of the ASEAN Member
States; thus, providing a more updated and comprehensive guideline as a response
to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry and the public.

IV.

SCOPE
This Administrative Order shall apply to all manufacturers, traders and
distributors (i.e. exporters, importers and wholesalers) of pharmaceutical products
for human use, including herbal medicines and traditionally-used herbal products.

V.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
For purposes of this Administrative Order, the following terms shall mean:
1. Active Moiety - the molecule or ion, excluding those appended portions of
the molecule that cause the drug to be an ester, salt (including a salt with
hydrogen or coordination bonds), or other noncovalent derivative (such as
complex, chelate, or clathrate) of the molecule, responsible for the
physiological or pharmacological action of the drug substance.

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2. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) - a substance or compound that is

intended to be used in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical product as a
therapeutically active compound (ingredient).
3. Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) - a response to a medicine that is noxious
and unintended, and which occurs at doses normally used in man.
4. Batch - a defined quantity of starting material, packaging material or
product manufactured in a single or series of processes so that it can be
expected to be homogeneous. (In the case of continuous manufacture, the
batch must correspond to a defined fraction of production, characterized
by its intended homogeneity; it may sometimes be necessary to divide a
batch into a number of sub-batches, which are later brought together to
form a final homogeneous batch).
5. Batch Number - a distinctive combination of numbers and/or letters which
specifically identifies a batch on the labels, the batch records, and the
certificates of analysis, etc.
6. Brand Name - the proprietary product name assigned to the product by the
Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH).
7. Contraindication - a statement regarding the conditions wherein the use of
the pharmaceutical product may cause harm to the patient.
8. Date of Manufacture - refers to the date (month and year) during which
processing of the bulk product, from which the goods are to be filled, is
completed.
9. Dosage - the quantity of a medicine given per administration.
10. Dosage Form - the pharmaceutical product type (e.g., tablet, capsule,
solution, cream) that contains a drug substance generally, but not
necessarily, in association with excipient(s).
11. Dosage Strength - may refer to:
(a) the concentration of the known API in a given formulation stated in
metric units
(b) the potency of the known API expressed in terms of, for example,
units by reference to a standard (potency is the specific ability or
capacity of the product as indicated by the appropriate laboratory tests
or by adequately controlled clinical data obtained through the
administration of the product in the manner intended to effect a given
result(s)). This shall be stated in accordance with the potency
requirements of the monograph of the product, as officially listed in
USP, BP and EP, or any other official compendia recognized by FDA.
12. Excipient - an ingredient, added intentionally to the drug substance which
should not have pharmacological properties in the quantity used.

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13. Expiration Date - the date (i.e. month and year) placed on the label of a
drug product designating the time prior to which a batch of the product is
expected to remain within the approved shelf-life specification if stored
under defined conditions. After the expiration date, there is no guarantee
that the product will remain within the approved specifications and,
therefore, it may be unsuitable for use and should not be used.
14. Formulation - the name, strength, and reference monograph of all APIs
and/or excipients present in the pharmaceutical product.
15. Generic Class Name - the identification of a pharmaceutical product
containing three or more APIs by its scientifically and internationally
recognized name or by its official generic name as determined by FDA.
16. Generic Name - the identification of a pharmaceutical product by its
scientifically and internationally recognized active pharmaceutical
ingredient or by its official generic name as determined by FDA.
17. Indication - the FDA-approved clinical use of a pharmaceutical product
based on substantial, scientifically supported evidence of its safety and
efficacy in the given dosage form.
18. Label - the written, printed or graphic matter on any pharmaceutical
product, its immediate container, tag, literature or other suitable material
affixed thereto for the purpose of giving information as to the identity,
components, ingredients, attributes, directions for use, specifications and
such other information as may be required by law or regulation.
19. Labeling Materials - label on the immediate container, and the other
printed materials that are made available with the pharmaceutical product
at the time of purchase and/or when the product is used, such as the outer
wrapper cartons, SPC/package insert/leaflet accompanying the product,
which provide the accurate and necessary detailed information for the
identification and proper use of the product.
20. Large Volume Parenterals injectable preparations with a volume more
than 100mL.
21. Lot Number - any distinctive combination of letters and/or numbers
assigned to a particular lot, herein defined as a portion of a batch.
22. Manufacturer - an establishment engaged in any and all operations
involved in the production of health products as well as the final release of
the finished product, with the end view of its storage, sale or distribution;
provided, that the term shall not apply to the compounding and filling of
prescriptions in drugstores and hospital pharmacies.
23. Marketing Authorization (MA) - an official document issued by the
competent drug regulatory authority (DRA) for the purpose of marketing
or free distribution of a product after evaluation for safety, efficacy, and

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quality, and containing, inter alia: the name of the product; the
pharmaceutical dosage form; the quantitative formula (including
excipients) per unit dose; the shelf-life and storage condition(s); and
packaging characteristics; specific information on which authorization is
based (e.g., The product(s) must conform with all the details provided in
the application and as modified in subsequent correspondence.); the
product information approved for health professionals and the public, the
sales category, the name and address of the holder of the authorization,
and the period of validity of the authorization. In the Philippines, the MA
is in the form of a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).
24. Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) - the company or corporate or
legal entity in the field of pharmaceuticals in whose name the MA for a
pharmaceutical product has been granted. This party is responsible for all
aspects of the product, including quality and compliance with the
conditions of the MA. The authorized holder must be subjected to
legislation in the country that issued the MA, which normally means being
physically located in that country. In the Philippines, the MAH may either
be a manufacturer, trader, or distributor (exporter, importer or wholesaler).
25. Mode of Administration - the manner and site where the pharmaceutical
product is to be introduced into or applied on the body.
26. Net Content - the total amount/quantity/number of the dosage form in a
certain container of a pharmaceutical product expressed in metric system.
27. New Chemical Entity (NCE) - new chemical or biological API not
previously authorized for marketing for any pharmaceutical use in the
country in question.
28. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs - pharmaceutical products or drug
preparations that can be dispensed even without the written order of a
licensed physician or dentist.
29. Pack Size - refers to the quantity of dosage form in the final packaging
(excluding the shipping carton) of a pharmaceutical product bearing the
required labeling information.
30. Package Insert (PI) - the document defining information that is supplied
with a prescription pharmaceutical product by the MAH.
31. Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - the document defining information
intended for the patient that is supplied with over-the-counter (OTC)
preparations and household remedies by the MAH.
32. Pharmacologic Category - refers to the classification of the pharmaceutical
product based on its therapeutic action as specified in the product
registration.

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33. Precautions - the instruction and the special care required in the use of the
pharmaceutical product to avoid undesired effects and to ensure its safe
and effective use.
34. Prescription Pharmaceutical Products - pharmaceutical products that are to
be dispensed only upon written order or prescription of a duly licensed
physician or dentist for the management or treatment of a condition or a
diagnosed disease of man.
35. Primary Label - refers to the label on the primary packaging material of a
pharmaceutical product.
36. Product Name - the name (i.e. Generic Name and Brand Name, if any) of
the pharmaceutical product as registered in FDA.
37. Product Description - refers to the complete organoleptic description of
the finished pharmaceutical product.
38. Registration Number - a combination of letters/numbers assigned to a
particular pharmaceutical product by FDA as proof of registration.
39. Shelf-life - the time period during which a drug product is expected to
remain within the approved specifications, provided that it is stored under
the conditions defined in the label.
40. Small containers - are pharmaceutical packaging materials that hold less
than or equal to 5 mL volume or 5 g weight, which include:
(a) ampoules, vials, and nebules of small volume parenterals;
(b) packaging materials for ophthalmic, otic, and nasal liquid preparations;
(c) jars and tubes for semi-solid preparations; and
(d) any other packaging material of the same capacity.
41. Small Volume Parenterals injectable preparations with a volume of
100mL and below.
42. Storage Condition(s) - the acceptable specified range temperature,
humidity, and other environmental factors within which optimal stability
of the pharmaceutical product is ensured based on laboratory data.
43. Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - the product information as
approved by the DRA. It also serves as the source of information for
health personnel as well as for consumer information on labels and leaflets
of pharmaceutical products advertisement for control of advertising.
A Company Core Data Sheet (CCDS) approved by the DRA may also be
considered.
44. Undesirable Effects - also known as adverse events, refer to untoward
medical occurrence that may present during treatment with a drug product
but which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with this
treatment.

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45. Warnings - statements regarding the occurrence of potential hazards and

undesirable effects associated with the use of the pharmaceutical product
and the limitation of its use.
VI.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following are the minimum mandatory information that shall appear
in the labeling materials accompanying a pharmaceutical product:
1. Product Name
2. Dosage Form and Strength
3. Pharmacologic Category
4. Formulation/Composition
5. Indication(s)
6. Dosage and Mode of Administration
7. Contraindication(s), Precaution(s), Warning(s) (if applicable)
8. Interactions
9. Undesirable Effects
10. Overdose and Treatment
11. Storage Condition(s)
12. Net Content or Pack Size
13. Name and Address of MAH
14. Name and Address of Manufacturer
15. For prescription pharmaceutical products, the Rx Symbol and Caution
Statement
16. ADR Reporting Statement
17. Registration Number
18. Batch Number and Lot Number (if any)
19. Expiration Date and Date of Manufacture
All information required to appear on the label shall be (a) written in
English and/or Filipino and (b) readable with normal vision without straining. The
color contrast, position and spacing of the printed matters on the label must be
taken into consideration in complying with labeling requirements.
For all NCEs, biotechnological products, and prescription generic products
and herbal products, a package insert shall be submitted; for all household
remedies, over-the-counter drug and herbal medicines, and traditionally-used
herbal products, a patient information leaflet shall be submitted. The SPC shall be
the basis of the submitted PI for NCEs and biotechnological products.

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In lieu of package insert or patient information leaflet, the foregoing

information may be printed directly on the reverse side or inner panel of the outer
packaging material or inner carton; provided, that the product is intended to be
sold or dispensed together with such packaging material or inner carton.
For products intended to be sold without any product information sheet,
the minimum mandatory information shall be required to be reflected on the
primary label.
The specific information required for each labeling material is indicated
under Annex A.
VII.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
A. Product Name
1. the product name shall indicate the generic name and the brand name (if
any) of the pharmaceutical product;
2. the generic name shall be as the active moiety based on the International
Non-proprietary Name (INN), and consistent with the dosage strength
indicated; for pro-drugs, the generic name shall be the INN of the prodrug
itself and not its active chemical (metabolite) form;
3. the generic name shall appear prominently with an outline box, with the
generic names prominence over the other information being clearly and
distinctly readable by normal vision as may be determined by common
visual sense;
4. for herbal medicines and traditionally-used herbal products, the generic
name shall be the botanical origin or as recognized by FDA;
5. if a product is identified by a brand name together with its generic name,
the generic name enclosed in an outline box shall in all cases appear
immediately above the brand name; for narrative texts (whether in the unit
carton, primary label or insert), the brand name shall in all cases be
preceded by the generic name and enclosed in parenthesis or brackets;
6. for products with multiple APIs, the product name shall indicate all of the
APIs, enumerated in the order of decreasing pharmacologic activity and
placed inside the box in either of the given format:
Ex.:

Ferrous Sulfate
Folic Acid
Brand Name
311

Ferrous Sulfate / Folic Acid

Brand Name

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Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid

Brand Name
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If the APIs have more or less similar pharmacologic activity, they shall be
enumerated in the order of decreasing potency and strength; provided, that
if there exists a single approved name for fixed-dose combination (e.g.,
Cotrimoxazole for the standard formulation Sulfamethoxazole /
Trimethoprim), the single approved name shall be used; provided further,
that if there is no single approved name but there exist a generic class
name (e.g., Multivitamins for multi-vitamin containing preparations, as
approved by FDA), the generic class name shall be used.
The individual components of the single approved name and generic class
name shall be enumerated under Formulation.
B. Dosage Form and Strength
1. The label shall specify the (a) dosage form of the product such as tablet,
capsule, suspension, ointment, etc., (b) the specific delivery system, if any
such as modified release, and (c) specific mode of administration, if any
and appropriate, such as vaginal/rectal suppository, etc., as approved by
FDA. If there is no qualifier for tablets, it is understood as an oral,
uncoated, immediate release tablet.
2. The label shall specify the dosage strength of the product which shall be
expressed in metric units reduced to lowest terms and in the number of the
largest unit specified (e.g., 500mcg, not 0.5mg).
3. FDA, as deemed necessary and appropriate, shall allow the strength of
certain dosage forms to be expressed as percentage.
4. For products with multiple APIs, the dosage strength shall be stated in
accordance with the generic name indicated: for multiple APIs, the
individual strengths shall be indicated, separated by a slash sign (/); if a
single approved name is used, the dosage strength shall be indicated as the
sum.
Ex.:

Piperacillin Sodium / Tazobactam Sodium

Brand Name
4 g / 500 mg Powder for Injection (IV)
343

Piperacillin Sodium + Tazobactam Sodium

Brand Name
4 g / 500 mg Powder for Injection (IV)

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344

Piperacillin Sodium
Tazobactam Sodium
Brand Name
4 g / 500 mg Powder for Injection (IV)
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Cotrimoxazole
Brand Name
960 mg Tablet
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C. Pharmacologic Category
The pharmacologic category shall be as determined by FDA, taking into
consideration current acceptable standards for therapeutic categories.
D. Formulation/Composition
1. The label shall state the name and strength of all APIs present per unit
dose of the product, which shall be indicated by their generic names,
arranged in decreasing potency.
2. The name of the API shall be stated in full (including salts and esters, if
any) and correlated to the active moiety, when applicable. The name of the
API shall be in accordance with its International Non-Proprietary Name
(INN); for herbal medicines and traditionally-used herbal products, the
official Philippine Pharmacopeia name shall be used, or as determined by
FDA.
3. The reference monograph used for the analysis of the finished
pharmaceutical product shall be indicated immediately after the API,
unless a non-official method is used; for multiple APIs, it shall be
indicated after the first API.
Each tablet contains:
Sodium Ascorbate, USP....................................562.5 mg
(equivalent to Ascorbic Acid 500 mg)
Each tablet contains:
Calcium Carbonate, BP.............................................750mg
(equivalent to elemental Calcium 300 mg)
Each capsule contains:
Amoxicillin (as Trihydrate), USP.............................500mg
Each vial contains:
Omeprazole (as Sodium) .............................40mg
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Each tablet contains:

Sulfamethoxazole, USP............................................800mg
Trimethoprim...................................................160mg
4. Alcohol, when present in the product must also be indicated, expressed as
a percentage (%). The name alcohol without qualification shall mean
ethyl alcohol.
5. The coloring agent and other excipients used in the manufacture of the
product that may cause hypersensitivity and/or other adverse drug
reactions shall also be indicated, with the amount expressed in the same
manner as the API.
6. Any preservative and/or antimicrobial agents present in the formulation
shall also be included, with the amount expressed in the same manner as
the API.
E. Indication(s)
The indication(s) stated in the labeling materials shall include only the
FDA-approved clinical use(s) of the pharmaceutical product.
F. Dosage and Mode of Administration
1. The label shall contain full information on the products recommended
dosage, including the (a) initial or loading dose, (b) optimal use or usual
dose, (c) frequency interval, (d) duration of treatment, (e) dosage
adjustment, and other pertinent aspects of drug therapy, if applicable.
2. Relevant information regarding dilution, reconstitution, preparation, and
administration should also be included (such as Shake well before use
for suspensions, Do not Crush for tablets with special delivery system,
etc.) in all labeling materials. The label shall include a description of the
reconstituted preparation.
3. Separate directions for use by special populations, adults and children
must be stated. If the product is not recommended for children, the dosage
shall be clearly identified as Adult dose, or any statement to that effect.
G. Contraindication(s), Precaution(s), Warning(s)
1. The label shall contain full information regarding the contraindication(s)
of a pharmaceutical product, as well as the precaution(s) to be observed in
its administration and use.
2. The label shall include warning statements, as required and/or specified by
FDA (e.g., Flammable, For external use only, Keep out of reach of

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children). Other specific additional instructions shall be issued by FDA in

appropriate regulations.
3. Where the contents of a container are to be used on one occasion only, the
label shall include the statement, Single use only, Single dose, Use
only once, Discard any remaining portion, or any statement to that
effect.
H. Interactions
The label shall include drug-drug, drug-food, drug-laboratory testing
interactions, as well as other relevant interactions, if applicable.
I. Undesirable Effects
The label shall include detailed information on adverse event for a drug
product.
J. Overdose and Treatment
The label shall include signs and symptoms of overdose, as well as
possible treatment.
K. Storage Condition(s)
1. The label shall indicate appropriate storage condition(s) and special
instructions for handling of the pharmaceutical product.
2. Special labeling instructions shall be added for pharmaceutical products
with the following properties:
Properties
Special labeling instructions
Cannot tolerate refrigeration
Do not refrigerate or freeze
Cannot tolerate freezing
Do not freeze
Light-sensitive
Protect from light
Cannot tolerate excessive heat,
Store and transport not above
e.g., suppositories
30 C
Hygroscopic
Store in dry conditions
L. Pack Size or Net Content
1. The unit carton shall indicate the pack size of the pharmaceutical product
expressed in terms of the number of units in the pack or the volume of
each unit, e.g., 60 mL (for liquids), 10 blister packs x 10 tablets (for
tablets), 100 tablets, 12 sachets x 5 g, etc.; Provided, that in case of
pharmaceutical products for reconstitution, the pack size shall reflect the
volume of the product as reconstituted.
2. For the primary label excluding blisters and foil strips, the net content
of the product, stating the total amount/quantity/number of the dosage

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form in a given container shall be expressed in metric units, e.g., 60 mL

(for liquids), 5 g (for sachets), etc.
M. Name and Address of Marketing Authorization Holder
The label shall state the name and full address of the MAH for the
pharmaceutical product.
N. Name and Address of Manufacturer
The label shall state the name of the manufacturer and full address of the
specific manufacturing site for the pharmaceutical product.
O. Rx Symbol and Caution Statement
1. The labeling materials of prescription pharmaceutical products shall
always include the Rx symbol, which shall be prominently displayed. The
Rx symbol may be allowed to be over-printed or superimposed, provided,
that such will not result in the obliteration by or being rendered less
legible than other required labeling information.
2. The caution statement, Foods, Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics Act
prohibits dispensing without prescription. shall always be included in
the package insert, unit carton, primary label except blister pack, foil
strip, and small containers of prescription pharmaceutical products. In
addition, for products classified as Dangerous Drug as per Republic Act
No. 9165, the caution statement shall be followed as specified by the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
P. ADR Reporting Statement
1. For the unit carton and primary label except blister pack, foil strip, and
small containers, the statement For suspected adverse drug reaction,
report to the FDA: www.fda.gov.ph should appear.
2. For the product information sheet, a statement instructing the patient to
seek medical attention immediately at the first sign of any adverse drug
reaction.
In addition, the company may include a reporting statement for their own
pharmacovigilance system.
Q. Registration Number
The label shall indicate the registration number assigned by FDA to the
product, which is denoted by a combination of letters/numbers.

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R. Batch Number and Lot Number

The label shall indicate the products batch number; provided, that if the
entire batch is marketed by one drug establishment, only the batch number
shall be indicated. However, if a batch is divided into lots marketed by
different drug establishments, the lot number and corresponding batch
number shall be indicated.
S. Expiration Date and Date of Manufacture
1. The label shall bear the month and year of the products manufacture and
expiration either in letters/words and numbers, or in numbers alone; if
expressed in numbers alone, the year shall be stated completely in order
to distinguish it from the month; and if the day is specified, the month
shall be spelled out, as shown below:
(a) June 2007 or Jun 2007
(b) 06/2007
(c) 03 June 2007 or 03 Jun 2007
2. Unless a certain day of the month is specified, the last day of the stated
month shall be deemed as the date of the products
expiration/manufacturing date.
3. For products reconstituted prior to use and those which can be
administered multiple times (e.g., suspensions), the label shall include the
period of guaranteed safety, efficacy, and quality of the reconstituted
preparation/after first opening at a given storage condition(s).
VIII. SPECIAL LABELING INSTRUCTIONS
In addition to the minimum mandatory requirements mentioned, the
following shall be required to appear on the label of specific product types:
A. Parenterals
For parenteral products, the following additional information shall be
required:
1. For all labeling materials, in addition to the API(s), the name of all
excipients and their amounts shall appear in the Formulation.
2. A statement of the recommended mode of administration such as IV,
IM or SC, etc., as the case may be.
3. Where the product consists of a concentrated solution for injection, a
direction not to administer the solution undiluted and a direction to dilute
the solution with the specified diluent to the appropriate volume before
use shall be stated.

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B. Fluid Replacement and Dialysis Solution Products

1. For fluid replacement and dialysis solution products which follow the
standard formulations contained in the current edition of the official
compendium, the nomenclature to be adopted as the generic class name
shall be determined by FDA.
2. For fluid replacement and dialysis solutions not included in any official
compendia, FDA shall determine the generic class name.
3. Directly below the generic class name but still inside the generic outline
box are the individual components with the corresponding mEq/L or
mmol/L enumerated in the order of decreasing pharmacologic activity.
4. Where one or more substances are amino acids and/or proteins, the total
amount of nitrogen in the nominal volume of fluid in the container shall be
reflected.
5. The nominal osmolality, such as hypotonic or hypertonic; and the
nominal pH range of the solution shall be indicated.
C. Products for External Use
For products that are intended for external use, the statement For External
Use Only shall appear on all labeling materials, rendered in capital letters
against a red background or printed in red font.
D. Multivitamin/Mineral/Herbal Products with Standard Formulations and Nonvitamin/mineral/herbal Components
Multivitamins, consisting of at least three vitamins, and minerals,
consisting of at least three mineral ingredients, shall have the following
additional requirements:
1. The generic name adopted for multivitamin-containing products shall be
Multivitamins; for multi-mineral-containing products the official name
shall be Minerals.
2. For multivitamin and/or multi-mineral preparations containing at least
three herbal ingredients, the generic class name of the herbal ingredients
shall be Herbs.
3. For multivitamin products with individual non-vitamin components (i.e.
mineral or herbal ingredient), or multi-mineral products with individual
non-mineral components (i.e. vitamin or herbal ingredient), or multiherbal products with individual non-herbal components (i.e. vitamin or
mineral ingredient) the term Multivitamins or Minerals or Herbs,
respectively, shall first be stated, followed by the generic name of the
specific additional individual components, as shown below:

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570

Ex.
Multivitamins + Iron

571
Multivitamins + Irons + Panax ginseng
572
Minerals + Ascorbic Acid + Panax ginseng
573
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584
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The unit content of each vitamin, mineral, and/or herbal ingredient

present shall no longer be required to be indicated in the generic box, but
rather shall be reflected under Formulation.
E. Drugs under Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP) Control
On the label of the minimum pack of drugs listed under Section 1 of
Executive Order No. 821 and other drugs as determined by the Secretary
of Health, the following statement shall be required to appear in red
background or red font:
Ex.
UNDER DRUG PRICE REGULATION
RETAIL PRICE NOT TO EXCEED (price)
UNDER DRUG PRICE REGULATION
RETAIL PRICE NOT TO EXCEED (price)
F. Unique Global Product Identification Number
The existing rules and regulations for unique product identification
number (Global Trade Item Number) shall be followed.
G. Reproductive Health Products
The product information included for reproductive health (RH) products
shall be the PIL. The PIL shall be written in English and Filipino, and/or
local dialect.
H. Generic Drug Products with Proven Interchangeability
On the unit carton and primary label except blister pack, foil strip, and
small containers of generic drug products with proven interchangeability,
either of the following statement shall appear:
This product has the same therapeutic efficacy as
any other generic product of the same name

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This product has the same therapeutic efficacy as

the innovator product of the same generic name
The Department of Health (DOH) and FDA may, from time to time,
prescribe special labeling requirements for specific products.
IX.

EXEMPTIONS
The requisites provided in this Administrative Order shall not apply to the
following cases:
1. Drug products manufactured for export;
2. Veterinary drug products;
3. If the container or primary pack containing the product is enclosed in a
transparent covering and the particulars which are required to be set on the
label on the container or primary pack are clearly visible through
transparent covering, the transparent covering is exempted;
4. Products that are compounded by a pharmacist in accordance with the
individual prescription of a medical practitioner or dentist for immediate
use;
5. Investigational drugs, i.e. new chemical or structural modification of a
tried and tested or established drug proposed to be used for a specific
therapeutic indication(s);
6. Foreign donations of pharmaceutical products;
7. Products that require special handling (e.g., pre-filled syringes, products
that require cold-chain management); and
8. Low volume of importation.
A Generic Labeling Exemption (GLE) application shall be concurrently
submitted by applicant companies with their application for pharmaceutical
product registration, except for certain situations as promulgated by FDA. If
granted, FDA shall issue a GLE certificate with a corresponding validity and
number. The Registration Number assigned by FDA must be reflected on the
label of the pharmaceutical product.

X.

SANCTIONS
Any violation of this Administrative Order consistent with Republic Act
No. 3720 and Republic Act No. 9711 and its implementing rules and regulations
shall be a ground for filing of appropriate administrative charges and/or
imposition of administrative sanctions such as, but not limited to, imposition of

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fines, suspension, cancellation or revocation of any license, permit or registration

issued by FDA.
XI.

REPEALING AND SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

A.O. 55 s. 1988, A.O. 85 s. 1990, A.O. 99 s. 1990 and their implementing
guidelines, A.O. 109 s. 1969, A.O. 126 s. 1970, A.O. 64 s. 1989, as well as other
provisions in existing administrative issuances, bureau circulars and memoranda
inconsistent with this Administrative Order are hereby withdrawn, repealed and
revoked accordingly.
If any provision in this Administrative Order, or application of such
provision to any circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the provisions in
this Administrative shall not be affected.

XII.

TRANSITORY PROVISION
All registered pharmaceutical products shall be required to submit the
revised labeling materials compliant with this Administrative Order upon renewal
of their MA.
Reasonable exhaustion period shall be given to registered products subject
to renewal within one (1) year of approval of this Administrative Order.

XIII. EFFECTIVITY
This Order shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication
in two (2) newspapers of national circulation and upon filing to the University of
the Philippines Law Center-Office of the National Administrative Register.

ENRIQUE T. ONA, MD
Secretary of Health

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