Drug Identification Number

[Jazzzoline]

This page is from "Health Canada"
I want to know if other countries use a "DIN" too, and is it called "DIN".


What is a DIN?

The Drug Identification Number (DIN) is the number located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated by the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) and approved for sale in Canada.

When is a DIN issued?

Once a drug has been approved, the Therapeutic Products Directorate issues a DIN which permits the manufacturer to market the drug in Canada. For drugs where there is minimal market history in Canada, there is a more stringent review and the drug is required to have a Notice of Compliance and a DIN in order to be marketed in Canada.

What purpose does a DIN serve?

A DIN lets the user know that the product has undergone and passed a review of its formulation, labeling and instructions for use. A drug product sold in Canada without a DIN is not in compliance with Canadian law.

The DIN is also a tool to help in the follow-up of products on the market, recall of products, inspections, and quality monitoring.

[Gary Sisco]

Doesn't count if it's not in French.

[Jazzzoline]

Here is the French version...

Numéro d'identification d'un médicament
Qu'est-ce qu'un DIN?

Le numéro d'identification d'un médicament (DIN) est le numéro inscrit sur l'étiquette d'un médicament de prescription ou d'un médicament en vente libre qui a été évalué par la Direction des produits thérapeutiques (DPT) et homologué pour vente au Canada.

Quand attribue-t-on un DIN?

Lorsque le médicament est homologué, la Direction des produits thérapeutiques lui attribue un DIN, ce qui permet au fabricant de commercialiser son produit au Canada. Pour un médicament ayant peu d'antécédants commerciaux au Canada, l'évaluation est plus rigoureuse, et le fabricant doit obtenir un Avis de conformité et un DIN pour le vendre au Canada.

À quoi sert un DIN?

Le DIN permet au consommateur de savoir que le produit a été homologué à la suite de l'évaluation de sa formulation, de son étiquetage et de sa notice d'utilisation. Un produit pharmaceutique vendu au Canada qui n'a pas de DIN n'est pas conforme à la loi canadienne.

Le DIN est aussi un outil permettant le suivi et le rappel des produits sur le marché, les inspections et la surveillance de la qualité.

[jesus marion joseph]

Huh. I always thought "DIN" stood for "Deutsche Industrie Normale".

[Dr Dave]

Naw, we don't have no DINs here in the Etats Unis. Just a lot of fine print about how drug X can kill you if you take it with grapefruit juice, or whatever...

[Enforcer]

And warnings about four hour erections.

[Dr Dave]

Yes, that, too...

[Jazzzoline]

Originally Posted by Larry Nagel

And warnings about four hour erections.

You don't need any warning about that, do you..

[Enforcer]

Originally Posted by Jazzzoline

You don't need any warning about that, do you..

I don't need a drug for it, either!

Ba-dum, CRASH!

No stand-up comic,
Larry