Trueqrcode
Create QR Code
Trueqrcode

QR Codes for Pharmaceuticals

a pharmacist standing next to a table tent for sunblock with a qr code on it and the beach on the picture
a box of medical face masks with a qr code on the side

QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry are now becoming the norm. There’s no better way to share important and transparent content with the masses on an international scale. Even the World Health Organization and Big Pharma companies like Pfizer and Novartis are using digital traceability through QR codes as a standard part of their protocols and packaging. Moreover, regulatory authorities all over the world are beginning to require it.

Benefits of QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry

QR codes are beneficial in the pharmaceutical industry because they improve traceability, meaning patient safety and operational efficiency are also enhanced.

Drug authentication and anti-counterfeiting

Combatting counterfeit drugs in the supply chain is easier with QR codes because you can scan a code for a batch number and other manufacturer details that come straight from the source.

Increased traceability in the supply chain

Multiple parties can track pharmaceuticals from manufacturer to distributor. Locating shipments, batches, or stopping recalled products in the process is easier with QR codes.

Better access to information

Smart packaging means more content on less paper. Dosages, side effects, expiration dates, and storage guidelines are all available to store in mobile phones by clicking on a link embedded in a QR code. What is more, the information can be translated into phones for international audiences.

Compliance and serialization

Bulk QR code generation is available for item-level needs like serialization. This works better for track-and-trace, or identifying something wrong, like a contaminated batch. 

  • Product-level QR codes are most common for items in retail
  • Batch-level QR codes are common for items that need to identify specific batch numbers, recalls, or in case something is contaminated
  • Item-level QR codes are used for serialization with drugs, especially when regulatory compliance calls for it

Improving operational efficiency

Workflows, audits, and tracking are all improved when employees can scan a code and receive information in real-time.

How to create QR codes for pharmaceuticals

In this section, we’ll tell you how to generate a successful QR code:

Step 1: Go to Trueqrcode QR code generator and check out our options. Depending on your uses, the types of QR codes you use will vary. We do suggest a GTIN QR Code or a Multi-URL QR Code if you want to get the most out of scanning for pharmaceuticals.

Step 2: Add your content, header, description, links, an image, and whatever else the QR code generator prompts you to add. 

Step 3: Create a QR code landing page. Clearly label every link for ease and clarity in the supply chain and for patients and caretakers to easily access the information they need. 

Step 4: Make a QR code design. Either on a frame or your packaging, you need a clear call to action so people know why they should scan. Decide this before the packaging design process so the CTA doesn’t go missing or duplicated on the final packaging.

Step 5: Download the QR code and make sure it scans and directs to all the URLs you added in your links. Then do a test scan on a printed material before printing them all to ensure that the material scans well, too. This step is mandatory.

Step 6: Our QR code generator with analytics enables companies to see cities, times, and the number of scans. This could raise red flags for drug theft if the code is scanned at a time and place it shouldn’t be. 

a bottle of gingko biloba with a qr code on it and some vitamins on the side
an ampoule injection bottle with a qr code on it in someone's hand

Best practices for using QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical companies already practice compliance regarding GS1 Standards, anti-counterfeiting measures, serialization, traceability, etc. Here are a few examples.

They follow GS1 Data Matrix Standards

This serialization standard is necessary under the U.S. DSCSA and EU FMD. Big Pharma companies are already distributing necessary information using QR code technology.

They comply with GS1 Healthcare Standards

The GS1 Digital Link QR code isn’t just useful for ecommerce and retail brands. They use encoded information that comes up right away, and multiple links going to information for supply chains, distributors, healthcare professionals, and patients.

Typical encoded fields for supply chains include:

  • GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
  • Serial number
  • Lot/batch number
  • Expiration date

Larger amounts of information are stored in multiple fields, such as allergen information, directions, side effects, etc. Smart packaging enables people to store information in their phones in case of lost physical instructions.

Decide how many codes work best for that product

Medicinal QR codes can be handled using a barcode QR code which stores information for different stakeholders, and depending on the scanner, will direct to different information. They can also be managed with multiple QR codes that are clearly labeled with patient or caregiver information, for different people or different uses, such as “Warnings,” “Dosage Instructions,” etc. Compliance laws that Big Pharma is already used to abiding by for labelling will know what’s best for products.

Separate patient codes from supply chain codes

There are Multi-Link QR Codes that share different types of information. You can use the same codes for different audiences; however, regarding compliance, confusion, and the fact that that some people are not able to understand or aren’t in a position to care for themselves very well, QR codes need to be clear. Do separate appropriate codes, parties, and uses, even if they have multiple links, to make it easy on those who are vulnerable. Some information may overlap as is necessary for both audiences. 

Optimize anti-counterfeiting

One of the most important topics using QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry is that item-level QR codes are useful for enhanced serialization. With tamper-evident packaging, blockchain-backed verification, and many other advanced safety protocols used, this is another way to keep patients safe.

Tips for using QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry

Use these tips for maximum usability for pharmaceutical supply chains, regulatory compliance, and especially for patient convenience.

Clearly label the QR codes

Supply chains and patients need to know what the code leads to. People taking medication have to be able to find safety precautions, and pharmacists and doctors need to save time and energy to locate necessary information immediately as well.

Readability is the most important thing about printing on packaging

Readability overrides design. You can incorporate a QR code logo and make it look decent on packaging, but the most important thing is an unobstructed, readable QR code that is easily scannable.

Think about where you're printing the QR code

You might have a product level, batch-level, or item-level QR code, and is it going on a master case or the final product? Shippers have their own codes as well. You can’t print a QR code on creases, folds, strong curves, and it can’t have any damage to the corners, or more than 30% damage. Throwing around boxes in warehouses and storage in pharmacies need to be considered.

Use a dynamic QR code with a paid account

Dynamic QR codes are editable, and static ones are not. This means that when information changes, you can update the code. Free QR code generators are not recommended. They have no flexibility, are limited, have no analytics, and someone can take your account later on.

Keep patient convenience in mind

Patients are the main priority. They need simple access immediately to content that is clear, concise, and readable in any language (that can be translated in smartphones). Make sure your content is clear, especially on your QR code landing page, citing what each link covers.

FAQs

Here are five commonly asked questions and their answers about using QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry:

Instructions, side effects, warnings, authentication, expiry dates, batch numbers, recall notifications, storage requirements, etc.

When using a serialized QR code, the system can verify if it’s authentic, recalled, or flagged, and the companies use verified databases to secure the information when scanned.

Legitimate pharmaceutical QR codes should direct users only to secure HTTPS websites operated by the manufacturer, healthcare provider, or authorized partner.

Patients should:

  • Verify the website domain
  • Avoid entering personal information on unfamiliar pages
  • Avoid downloading unexpected files

Manufacturers are encouraged to use secure, monitored QR code platforms to reduce QR code phishing and tampering risks.

The same leaflets can allow digital access to be stored in mobile phones. It gives multilingual access and replaces paper waste. In some regions, printed information can still be required.

That can mean damaged packaging, high-gloss or reflective light, or an outdated smartphone. In that case, you can contact the manufacturer or the pharmacist for the information.