using NDC numbers to identify meds

July 2011

We're getting questions about using NDC numbers to identify meds.

FDA requires that every med has a unique 10-digit National Drug Code (NDC)...that's divided into 3 segments.

Each segment identifies specifics about the medication.

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Table of Contents

Corticosteroids handle the methylprednisolone drug shortage
Practice using NDC numbers to identify meds
Statins stronger warnings and dose limits for simvastatin
Restless Legs new option for restless legs syndrome, Horizant (hor-i-zant, gabapentin enacarbil)
Diabetes Meds confusing the news about Avandia and Actos
Antidepressants Viibryd (VI-brid, vilazodone), a new "dual-acting" antidepressant
Aspirin whether the new Bayer Advanced Aspirin works "faster" for pain than regular aspirin
COPD Daliresp (DA-li-resp, roflumilast), a new oral tab for people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Thyroid Disorders preventing mishaps with levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, etc) Rxs
Antibiotics the new oral antibiotic, Dificid (DIF-eh-sid, fidaxomicin), for treating Clostridium difficile diarrhea
Antidepressants whether it's okay to combine certain antidepressants
Asthma Singulair is "as good as" inhaled steroids (Advair, Flovent, etc) for preventing asthma attacks
Diabetes how to manage diabetes during fasting