What is that funny image on my medicine? - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,948 members166,085 posts

What is that funny image on my medicine?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
11 Replies

Many will have noticed an image which is a bit like a barcode on our medicine packages recently. (When I say recently, I am not sure when it started, but at least many months.)

I was sure that it included the batch and expiry information but was unsure of the rest. And I did not know whether we could actually use it ourselves. Sometimes things are not available outside an industry.

After a deal of searching and testing, I have produced a new document to explain (I hope) everything you need to know. *** Including what app will read and interpret the code. ***

dropbox.com/s/cd7ylvg14hms5...

Written by
helvella profile image
helvella
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
Marz profile image
Marz

Could be it's the governments new tracking system - keeping an eye 😷 Leave the box at home along with your phone ... !!

jimh111 profile image
jimh111

Most likely a QR Code. Download QR Code Reader on your smartphone, open the App and aim your mobile 'phone at it and it will usually take you to a website, probably the manufacturer's website. I have one on my Thybon 20 Henning L-T3 pack but it just decodes to a product number so is perhaps only for manufacturer use.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply tojimh111

It is NOT a QR code. It is a 2D GS1 Data Matrix.

It is, of course, possible that some QR apps also have the ability to read these codes but the one on my phone did not. Even several Data Matrix reader applications were unable to make sense of the code (it was just a string of characters).

jimh111 profile image
jimh111 in reply tohelvella

I'm very impressed! If not much wiser. My QR reader read the one on my L-T3 box but not this one.

Hillwoman profile image
Hillwoman

Interesting, although I hope there will always be an obvious expiry date on medicine packets that won't need a smartphone to reveal it (I don't own a smartphone).

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toHillwoman

The intent, so far as I can see at present, is to enable quick, reliable automatic scanning by adding the Data Matrix - not replacing the readable form.

Using Optical Character Recognition to read the human readable characters would (I think) be slower, use more complex and expensive scanners, and not have the same built-in verification techniques.

I think many would be uneasy about getting rid of the readable form because it provides a double-check.

But the use of the codes (10), (17), etc., means you have to guess that the number that looks like a date really is the expiry date. Or check my document! :-)

Alexkjones profile image
Alexkjones

It’s a gs1 bar code. It lets the industry and nhs track batches of meds Eg if their was a recall they can find the meds quicker.

Framboise profile image
Framboise

I think they're now also stamped on babies when they're born ;)

RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator in reply toFramboise

🤣

LivingWithHT profile image
LivingWithHT in reply toFramboise

Well, at least that way parents can’t report missing babies anymore.

Framboise profile image
Framboise in reply toLivingWithHT

True!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

This episode illuminates what is wrong with medicine, even today!

I read with some anger and dismay an article in today's Sunday Times which showed that despite the...
diogenes profile image
Remembering

Any Ideas on my thyroid meds?

I had my thyroid removed 25 years ago. More recently, I've been diagnosed with chronic fatigue....
Isaacnewt profile image

Funny turn yesterday, does anyone know what it was please?

Was watching tv last night and suddenly it felt like my heart had gone funny! I know it didn't, but...
catsndogs profile image

Please be careful what information is in links you post

We have seen several posts recently which have very long links in them. For many of them, most of...
helvella profile image
Administrator

Blood results what is going on???

Ok so diagnosed hashi in September on 50mcg thyroxine. Tsh was 18. Then had bloods repeated after 8...
Ladyrandom profile image

Moderation team

See all
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.