Turkey implements electronic medication instructions via QR codes

Turkey is transitioning to a system of electronic patient information leaflets (e-KT) for medications. Under regulations issued by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK), patients will be able to access up-to-date usage instructions, active ingredients, side effects, and storage conditions by scanning a QR code on the medication packaging with a smartphone or tablet camera.

The transition began gradually on December 6, 2024. By January 1, 2027, the e-KT system is expected to become mandatory for most products, with the exception of certain items such as vaccines, hospital-use products, and medications intended solely for healthcare professionals.

This shift does not strictly prohibit printed leaflets; pharmaceutical companies may still choose to include paper instructions in the packaging alongside the digital option. If a QR code fails to provide access to the electronic instructions, users are advised to contact the relevant pharmaceutical company.