What is Pharmacode? Its Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, accurately controlling drug packaging is a mandatory requirement to ensure user safety. Developed in the 1970s by Laetus, Pharmacode is a specialized barcode designed to detect packaging errors and verify the match between leaflets, labels, and medicine boxes – contributing to reduced risk and improved reliability in pharmaceutical production.

So what exactly is Pharmacode, how does it work, and why does it play such an important role in the pharmaceutical field? Let’s explore the details in the article below.

1. General Introduction to Pharmacode

Pharmacode, also known as PHARMA-CODE, is a special type of barcode invented and developed by Laetus, a leading company in packaging inspection. This is a proprietary encoding brand specifically designed for the pharmaceutical sector, with the goal of ensuring quality control and safety in the packaging process.

Pharmacode operates as part of a closed-loop packaging inspection system, often integrated with other standard barcodes such as GS1, enhancing transparency and traceability of products.

In practice, Pharmacode is often printed on the folding edge of pharmaceutical packaging (e.g., the side of a paper box), serving as a critical verification element in automated inspection processes. This allows the system to ensure that the instruction leaflet, label, and external packaging all match, thereby minimizing packaging errors – a particularly important factor in pharmaceuticals.

2. Why is Pharmacode Important in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

• Accurate Packaging Control: Pharmacode ensures that each medicine box is correctly packed with its respective leaflet and label according to standards – avoiding packaging mistakes.

• Automatic Error Detection: Automated packaging systems use Pharmacode to detect errors such as mislabeling, missing leaflets, or incorrect printing.

• Verification and Anti-Counterfeiting: Pharmacode allows scanning to verify the authenticity of medicine, reducing the risk of counterfeit or substandard products entering the supply chain.

• Smart Inventory Management: When scanned, the system can track quantities and expiration dates, helping hospitals and pharmacies avoid dispensing expired medications.

• Clear Traceability: Each batch of medicine can be tracked from manufacturer to end-user, facilitating quick recalls in case of defects or hazards.

• Compliance with Legal Regulations: Agencies like FDA and EMA require standard codes such as Pharmacode to ensure transparency, safety, and ease in inspections and audits.

3. Guide to Applying Pharmacode in Manufacturing

Pharmacode Code Generation Tools

Businesses can easily generate Pharmacode using free online tools or specialized barcode creation software. 

Examples: Online Tool Center, Aspose Pharmacode Barcode Reader, etc.

When choosing a tool, special attention should be paid to compatibility with GS1 standards (if the production system uses GS1 codes) to ensure synchronization throughout the packaging and distribution process.

Printing Specifications

• Bar Width: Narrow bars are approximately 0.5 mm ± 0.1 mm, while wide bars are twice the width of narrow bars. This is the basic ratio for scanners to correctly differentiate.

• Quiet Zone: Ensure sufficient white space at both ends of the barcode to help scanners recognize the signal clearly, avoiding inspection errors.

• Standard Size Chart: Refer to the technical specification chart provided by the equipment manufacturer or GS1 documentation to select sizes suitable for the printing space and inspection requirements.

Types of Scanners Used

Pharmacode is designed to be read by various scanners, including:

• White light scanners

• Red laser scanners

• Camera-based vision systems

Some common brands that supply inspection devices and scanners compatible with Pharmacode include Laetus, Axicon, Cognex, and other automated packaging inspection solution providers.

Ensuring Quality

• The code structure should contain at least 3 bars, clearly combining wide and narrow bars to improve scanning accuracy.

• Inspection systems can detect print errors such as color misalignment, incorrect bar patterns, or missing strokes through image analysis or reflectivity checks.

• Regular code quality verification should be conducted to maintain reliability and comply with regulatory requirements.

4. Advantages, Limitations, and Safety Notes About Pharmacode

Comparison with Regular Barcodes

Pharmacode is a barcode specifically designed for internal purposes, mainly used in inspection and control of pharmaceutical packaging processes.

Unlike standard barcodes (e.g., EAN-13, Data Matrix, GS1-128), Pharmacode is not used at point-of-sale (POS) and does not contain globally unique identifiers like product codes, batch numbers, or expiration dates.

Note: Pharmacode does not replace GS1 codes, but is typically used in conjunction with them to enhance safety and accuracy in packaging inspection.

Advantages of Pharmacode

• High scanning speed, suitable for high-speed production lines.

• High durability, easily recognized even when printed very small.

• Good error resistance, easily detects mistakes if labels are printed incorrectly, missing, or misplaced.

• Multi-angle scanning, increasing flexibility in application.

Limitations of Pharmacode

• Only encodes integers (up to 6 binary bits), does not support letters or special characters.

• Application is limited to internal processes of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.

• Requires specialized scanners, such as white light or camera-based systems.

Safety Notes When Using Pharmacode

• Avoid printing the code in reverse, as the system may misinterpret its value.

• Do not print with missing bars or distorted sizes, which may cause inspection failures.

• Use high-contrast colors, especially white background with black or dark blue bars, to ensure scanner readability.

5. Pharmacode vs Barcode: Differences and Application in Various Industries

Differences Between Pharmacode and Barcode

Why Is Each Type of Code Suited for Different Fields?

• Pharmacode is compact, fast to scan, and printable on small surfaces like the edge of a medicine box. It helps ensure the correct medicine, leaflet, and packaging are matched – avoiding critical errors in pharmaceuticals where mistakes can have serious consequences.

• Barcodes are more versatile, easy to print – easy to scan – easy to integrate into warehouse, POS, and logistics software systems. They are ideal for managing retail chains, logistics, inventory, and equipment.

Summary – Which Code Should Be Used for What Purpose?

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacode

Can Pharmacode be printed using a regular printer?

Yes. However, to ensure accuracy, industrial-grade high-quality printers are recommended. The bars must have precise width and adequate quiet zones for scanners to detect them properly.

Is there any legal requirement to use Pharmacode?

Some markets or manufacturers require Pharmacode to comply with closed-loop pharmaceutical packaging processes. However, not all authorities mandate its use (unlike GS1 codes which are required for product traceability).

Conclusion

Pharmacode is a specialized encoding solution designed specifically for packaging control in the pharmaceutical industry. With its capability to quickly detect errors, ensure consistency among packaging components, and support effective traceability, Pharmacode plays a critical role in improving product quality, complying with legal regulations, and protecting consumer health.

We hope this article from iCheckQR has helped you gain a clearer understanding of Pharmacode, as well as how to apply it effectively in the pharmaceutical sector.