The NPA is consulting its members on implementation of the EU Falsified Medicines directive within community pharmacy.

Measures in the directive include tighter control of manufacturing, a new common logo and register for online medicines retailers, and awareness campaigns about the risk of using unregulated pharmacies.

At some point during 2018 most or all prescription only medicines will be required to carry a 2D barcode containing a unique serial number. At some point before supply to patients, the barcode will have to be scanned to check the authenticity of the product.

The NPA is asking for views on how the authentication process should take place and how the overall authentication system should be run. Members can watch a video explaining the directive and complete the consultation at www.npa.co.uk/FMD.