What is a Drug Identification Number (DIN)?
A Drug Identification Number (DIN) is a computer-generated 8-digit number, assigned to a drug product prior to being sold in Canada. Health Canada regulates drug products, including OTC drugs (Over-the-Counter medicines sold directly to consumers without a prescription) to ensure they are safe to use.
It uniquely identifies all drug products sold in a dosage form in Canada and is located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated and authorized for sale in Canada. It is very important as this allows pharmacies to dispense the correct drug and helps ensure safe patient care.