Drug Supply Chain Security Act

Definition

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is a law enacted to enhance the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain in the United States. It aims to prevent counterfeit drugs and ensure that medications are safe for consumers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The DSCSA was signed into law on November 27, 2013.
2. It requires pharmaceutical companies to implement track-and-trace systems by 2023.
3. The act mandates that all trading partners be authorized and registered.
4. It enforces serialization of drug packages to improve tracking accuracy.
5. Pharmacists must verify the legitimacy of their supply chain partners.

Review Questions

• What year was the DSCSA signed into law?
• What is one major requirement of the DSCSA regarding drug packaging?
• Why is it important for pharmacists to verify their supply chain partners under the DSCSA?

Related terms

Serialization: The process of assigning a unique identifier to each drug package.

Track-and-Trace System: A system used to follow drugs through each stage of the supply chain.

Counterfeit Drugs: Medications that are fraudulently produced or mislabeled, often lacking active ingredients or containing harmful substances.