Source: Dourados Agora - Dourados / MS - 27/11/2009

The two-dimensional bar code, also called Datamatrix, will be the technology used to guarantee the traceability of medicines sold in Brazil.

The definition appears in RDC 59, published on the 25th, which implements the National Medicines Control System.
                

Technology will be the main tool to guarantee the traceability of these products, that is, it will allow the retrieval of historical and geographic information about the path taken by medicines from their production to delivery to the consumer.

Unlike the common barcode, which is visible and contains only one number, the two-dimensional can store thousands of information at the same time, such as numbers, letters and other data.

All the information will be gathered in the Unique Medicines Identifier (IUM), which will be in each medicine unit sold and will be printed on safety labels produced specifically for this purpose.

In addition to allowing a more effective management of risks in the pharmaceutical products chain and giving the consumer a guarantee of safety, the code will make it possible to identify sources of quality deviations and reduce manufacturers' logistical costs.

Safety labels

Also on Wednesday (25), Anvisa signed a cooperation agreement with the Casa da Moeda, which should be the institution responsible for the production and distribution of labels that will guarantee the security of the tracking system and on which the IUM will be printed.

History

In order to continuously improve the mechanisms for traceability and authenticity of medicines in the country, the National Drug Control System was created, through law 11903/09.

The law provides that the System will be gradually implemented over up to three years, the first year being for the definition of requirements involving manufacturers and suppliers of medicines.