LOT Number Labeling

The distribution of prescription medications in the United States of America is handled in a much different manner than it is in the European Union.  Let’s take a moment to examine the differences and see how it affects the consumer.

In the United States, prescription drugs in pill form are sold in bulk containers.  Up to a thousand pills or capsules can be packaged in these containers.  They are distributed by the caseload to wholesalers, and then, in turn, to pharmacies.  The required number of pills to be dispensed is counted from these containers, either by hand or with the use of an automatic pill counter.  This is known, for obvious reasons, as a Pour and Count system.  Both the United States and Canada use this system.