According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 1% of medicines in the developed world are most likely counterfeit (fake). Globally this figure is as high as 15%.
The Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) 2011/62/EU was approved in February 2011 and due to come into effect in early 2019. The aim of the directive is to actively prevent counterfeit or falsified medicines entering the legitimate supply chain and thus reaching patients. It will ultimately ensure greater protection for patients. The directive works by strengthening the medicines supply chain across Europe using technological tools.
As part of the directive, pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to produce medication packages with a unique identifier and an anti-tamper device (ATD). The unique identifier will be a 2D data matrix barcode (see image above).
You're in safe hands
For all medications dispensed from the United Kingdom, Medix Pharmacy will be implementing the FMD by:
Checking the anti-tampering device (ATD) to ensure it is intact prior to dispensing; and
Changing the status of the pack in the UK’s National Medicines Verification System from “active” to “inactive-supplied”. This involves scanning the 2D barcode on each pack and communicating with the National Medicine Verification System (NMVS).
So you are safe in the knowledge that our supply chain of medicines are highly regulated and offer the maximum level of safety every step of the way.
