Why Size Matters When It Comes To Taking Medicine

By Dr. Thomas Hein is Senior Vice President Commercial and Regulatory Affairs at HERMES PHARMA

Swallowing tablets or capsules is difficult for many, and size is just one of the problems

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a guidance for industry on the ‘Size, Shape, and Other Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules’. In it, they acknowledged the widespread difficulties associated with swallowing tablets and capsules. These difficulties can result in numerous adverse effects and reduce levels of adherence to treatment regimens. The FDA suggests to address this problem by controlling various physical attributes, like the size and shape of the tablet or capsule.