How to Convert UPC to Ndc

The Universal Product Code, or UPC, is a 12- to 14-digit unique identifier for all products. The National Drug Code, or NDC, is a unique number assigned to drugs and prescriptions. The NDC is a unique identifier that allows over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions to be tracked as lots in case of recall. Over-the-counter drugs like decongestants and fever reducers can have the NDC number as their UPC code or have a unique UPC. Prescriptions have the NDC as part of the UPC.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate the box or label of a drug with the Universal Product Code. Find the Universal Product Code on the product. This is next to the bar code.

• 2

  Look for the NDC next to the UPC. If there is a separate National Drug Code, look for the letters NDC followed by an 11- to 14-digit unique identifier. If the NDC is separate from the UPC, use the NDC identifier.

• 3

  Count how many digits the UPC has if the package only has a UPC. If the UPC is 12 digits, then the UPC for a prescription is the number "3" followed by the NDC. Drop the first number 3 to convert the UPC to the NDC. For a UPC 3-12345-6789-10, dropping the initial "3" reveals the NDC of 12345-6789-10. For 14-digit UPCs, drop the "0 03" to convert the UPC to the NDC. The 14-digit UPC is simply two zeros and a 3 in front of the NDC. For example, the 14-digit UPC of 0 03 12345 67891 0, after dropping the 0 03, reveals the NDC 12345-6789-10.