A system and method for drug management using transferable labels provides achain of identity for medications from their arrival in a pharmacy toadministration to a patient. Drug information is read, in some embodimentsoptically, and imprinted on a transferable label optionally fabricated of lowstretch, chemical resistant material, that is attached to the medicationpackage. The transferable label is checked to make sure that it correctlycorresponds to the drug information. At the time of preparation foradministration, the transferable label is transferred from the medicationpackage to the administration device, typically a syringe or dose cup. Thehealth care giver scans the patient identification information, usually foundon an identification bracelet, the transferable label, and optionally, aunique code belonging to the administering party. The system will reject non-matches between scanned inputs, and may be configured with a variety of safetysteps, displays, and reports.