What is the NDC Number (National Drug Code)?
NDC number is a 10 digit number grouped in three sets.
NDC number has three components
- Labeler code
- Product code
- Pack code
Labeler code identifies the labeler or responsible owner of the drug. Labeler can be any company that performs operations such as manufacturing, packing, or distributor of the products.
The second set of NDC numbers is product specific, so the labeler has to assign three or four-digit product codes for each drug they manufacture or distribute. The product code should be unique for each product. Drug products with the same active having different strengths or formulations will be considered as different products.
The last set of NDC numbers corresponds to the pack code, which should identify the pack size and pack type.
So, the NDC number format is 10 number digit can be a set of 4-4-2, 5-3-2, or 5-4-1.
Examples Of NDC Number Format
If a company manufactures Drug A having 25 mg and 50 mg strengths in two pack sizes of 50’s and 100’s count, the NDC number will be as follows.
Consider 12345 as a 5 digit number as labeler code assigned by FDA to the labeler.
NDC for Drug A 25 mg of 50 counts:- 12345-678-10
NDC for Drug A 25 mg of 100 counts:- 12345-678-20
NDC for Drug A 50 mg of 50 counts:- 12345-876-10
NDC for Drug A 50 mg of 100 counts:-12345-876-20
NDC for Drug A 50 mg of 10 counts blister:- 12345-876-30
In the above example;
12345 is FDA assigned labeler code
678 is the product code for Drug A 25 mg
876 is the product code for Drug A 50 mg
Since there is a change in the active ingredient composition product is changed.
10 is the pack code for 50 tablets in the container
20 is the pack code for 100 tablets in the container
30 is the pack code for 10 counts in blister
Alternatively, you can assign the 4 digit product code and 1 digit pack code. However, once you follow the NDC numbering format, all future products should continue the same format.
FDAbasics provides complete assistance for obtaining the labeler code, assigning NDC numbers, and drug listing. If you have any questions about the NDC drug listing, please write to us.
It will take about 10 working days to obtain the labeler code from the FDA. After getting the labeler code, we can help companies to assign the NDC number and complete the drug listing process.
Please get in touch with us for more information.