US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

21 U.S.C. § 352

Misbranded drugs and devices

A drug or device shall be deemed to be misbranded—
(a)

False or misleading label

(1)
section 262 of title 42section 262 of title 42section 262 of title 42 If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular. Health care economic information provided to a payor, formulary committee, or other similar entity with knowledge and expertise in the area of health care economic analysis, carrying out its responsibilities for the selection of drugs or devices for coverage or reimbursement, shall not be considered to be false or misleading under this paragraph if the health care economic information relates to an indication approved under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or for such drug or device, is based on competent and reliable scientific evidence, and includes, where applicable, a conspicuous and prominent statement describing any material differences between the health care economic information and the labeling approved for the drug or device under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or . The requirements set forth in section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or shall not apply to health care economic information provided to such a payor, committee, or entity in accordance with this paragraph. Information that is relevant to the substantiation of the health care economic information presented pursuant to this paragraph shall be made available to the Secretary upon request.
(2)
(A)
1
1 So in original. The term “health care economic information” appears only in par. (1).
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “health care economic information” means any analysis (including the clinical data, inputs, clinical or other assumptions, methods, results, and other components underlying or comprising the analysis) that identifies, measures, or describes the economic consequences, which may be based on the separate or aggregated clinical consequences of the represented health outcomes, of the use of a drug or device. Such analysis may be comparative to the use of another drug or device, to another health care intervention, or to no intervention.
(B)
section 262 of title 42 Such term does not include any analysis that relates only to an indication that is not approved under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or for such drug or device.
(b)

Package form; contents of label

ProvidedIf in package form unless it bears a label containing (1) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and (2) an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count: , That under clause (2) of this paragraph reasonable variations shall be permitted, and exemptions as to small packages shall be established, by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(c)

Prominence of information on label

If any word, statement, or other information required by or under authority of this chapter to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use.

(d)

Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 126(b)111 Stat. 2327 Repealed. , ,

(e)

Designation of drugs or devices by established names

(1)
(A)
If it is a drug, unless its label bears, to the exclusion of any other nonproprietary name (except the applicable systematic chemical name or the chemical formula)—
(i)
the established name (as defined in subparagraph (3)) of the drug, if there is such a name;
(ii)
the established name and quantity or, if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, the proportion of each active ingredient, including the quantity, kind, and proportion of any alcohol, and also including whether active or not the established name and quantity or if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, the proportion of any bromides, ether, chloroform, acetanilide, acetophenetidin, amidopyrine, antipyrine, atropine, hyoscine, hyoscyamine, arsenic, digitalis, digitalis glucosides, mercury, ouabain, strophanthin, strychnine, thyroid, or any derivative or preparation of any such substances, contained therein, except that the requirement for stating the quantity of the active ingredients, other than the quantity of those specifically named in this subclause, shall not apply to nonprescription drugs not intended for human use; and
(iii)
the established name of each inactive ingredient listed in alphabetical order on the outside container of the retail package and, if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, on the immediate container, as prescribed in regulation promulgated by the Secretary, except that nothing in this subclause shall be deemed to require that any trade secret be divulged, and except that the requirements of this subclause with respect to alphabetical order shall apply only to nonprescription drugs that are not also cosmetics and that this subclause shall not apply to nonprescription drugs not intended for human use.
(B)
For any prescription drug the established name of such drug or ingredient, as the case may be, on such label (and on any labeling on which a name for such drug or ingredient is used) shall be printed prominently and in type at least half as large as that used thereon for any proprietary name or designation for such drug or ingredient, except that to the extent that compliance with the requirements of subclause (ii) or (iii) of clause (A) or this clause is impracticable, exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
(2)
If it is a device and it has an established name, unless its label bears, to the exclusion of any other nonproprietary name, its established name (as defined in subparagraph (4)) prominently printed in type at least half as large as that used thereon for any proprietary name or designation for such device, except that to the extent compliance with the requirements of this subparagraph is impracticable, exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
(3)
section 358 of this title As used in subparagraph (1), the term “established name”, with respect to a drug or ingredient thereof, means (A) the applicable official name designated pursuant to , or (B), if there is no such name and such drug, or such ingredient, is an article recognized in an official compendium, then the official title thereof in such compendium, or (C) if neither clause (A) nor clause (B) of this subparagraph applies, then the common or usual name, if any, of such drug or of such ingredient, except that where clause (B) of this subparagraph applies to an article recognized in the United States Pharmacopeia and in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia under different official titles, the official title used in the United States Pharmacopeia shall apply unless it is labeled and offered for sale as a homoeopathic drug, in which case the official title used in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia shall apply.
(4)
section 358 of this title As used in subparagraph (2), the term “established name” with respect to a device means (A) the applicable official name of the device designated pursuant to , (B) if there is no such name and such device is an article recognized in an official compendium, then the official title thereof in such compendium, or (C) if neither clause (A) nor clause (B) of this subparagraph applies, then any common or usual name of such device.
(f)

Directions for use and warnings on label

Unless its labeling bears (1) adequate directions for use; and (2) such adequate warnings against use in those pathological conditions or by children where its use may be dangerous to health, or against unsafe dosage or methods or duration of administration or application, in such manner and form, as are necessary for the protection of users, except that where any requirement of clause (1) of this paragraph, as applied to any drug or device, is not necessary for the protection of the public health, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations exempting such drug or device from such requirement. Required labeling for prescription devices intended for use in health care facilities or by a health care professional and required labeling for in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use by health care professionals or in blood establishments may be made available solely by electronic means, provided that the labeling complies with all applicable requirements of law, and that the manufacturer affords such users the opportunity to request the labeling in paper form, and after such request, promptly provides the requested information without additional cost.

(g)

Representations as recognized drug; packing and labeling; inconsistent requirements for designation of drug

If it purports to be a drug the name of which is recognized in an official compendium, unless it is packaged and labeled as prescribed therein. The method of packing may be modified with the consent of the Secretary. Whenever a drug is recognized in both the United States Pharmacopoeia and the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, it shall be subject to the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia with respect to packaging and labeling unless it is labeled and offered for sale as a homoeopathic drug, in which case it shall be subject to the provisions of the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, and not those of the United States Pharmacopoeia, except that in the event of inconsistency between the requirements of this paragraph and those of paragraph (e) as to the name by which the drug or its ingredients shall be designated, the requirements of paragraph (e) shall prevail.

(h)

Deteriorative drugs; packing and labeling

If it has been found by the Secretary to be a drug liable to deterioration, unless it is packaged in such form and manner, and its label bears a statement of such precautions, as the Secretary shall by regulations require as necessary for the protection of the public health. No such regulation shall be established for any drug recognized in an official compendium until the Secretary shall have informed the appropriate body charged with the revision of such compendium of the need for such packaging or labeling requirements and such body shall have failed within a reasonable time to prescribe such requirements.

(i)

Drug; misleading container; imitation; offer for sale under another name

(1)
If it is a drug and its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading; or (2) if it is an imitation of another drug; or (3) if it is offered for sale under the name of another drug.
(j)

Health-endangering when used as prescribed

If it is dangerous to health when used in the dosage or manner, or with the frequency or duration prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling thereof.

(k)

Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 125(a)(2)(B)111 Stat. 2325, (l) Repealed. , (b)(2)(D), ,

(m)

Color additives; packing and labeling

section 379e of this titleIf it is a color additive the intended use of which is for the purpose of coloring only, unless its packaging and labeling are in conformity with such packaging and labeling requirements applicable to such color additive, as may be contained in regulations issued under .

(n)

Prescription drug advertisements: established name; quantitative formula; side effects, contraindications, and effectiveness; prior approval; false advertising; labeling; construction of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances

section 371(a) of this titlesection 321(m) of this titlesection 353(b)(1) of this titleIn the case of any prescription drug distributed or offered for sale in any State, unless the manufacturer, packer, or distributor thereof includes in all advertisements and other descriptive printed matter issued or caused to be issued by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor with respect to that drug a true statement of (1) the established name as defined in paragraph (e), printed prominently and in type at least half as large as that used for any trade or brand name thereof, (2) the formula showing quantitatively each ingredient of such drug to the extent required for labels under paragraph (e), and (3) such other information in brief summary relating to side effects, contraindications, and effectiveness as shall be required in regulations which shall be issued by the Secretary in accordance with , and in the case of published direct-to-consumer advertisements the following statement printed in conspicuous text: “You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1–800-FDA-1088.”, except that (A) except in extraordinary circumstances, no regulation issued under this paragraph shall require prior approval by the Secretary of the content of any advertisement, and (B) no advertisement of a prescription drug, published after the effective date of regulations issued under this paragraph applicable to advertisements of prescription drugs, shall with respect to the matters specified in this paragraph or covered by such regulations, be subject to the provisions of sections 52 to 57 of title 15. This paragraph (n) shall not be applicable to any printed matter which the Secretary determines to be labeling as defined in . Nothing in the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, signed at Vienna, Austria, on , shall be construed to prevent drug price communications to consumers. In the case of an advertisement for a drug subject to presented directly to consumers in television or radio format and stating the name of the drug and its conditions of use, the major statement relating to side effects and contraindications shall be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner.

(o)

Drugs or devices from nonregistered establishments

section 360 of this titlesection 381(s) of this titlesection 360(j) of this titlesection 360(k) of this titlesection 360(e) of this titleIf it was manufactured, prepared, propagated, compounded, or processed in an establishment not duly registered under , if it is a drug and was imported or offered for import by a commercial importer of drugs not duly registered under , if it was not included in a list required by , if a notice or other information respecting it was not provided as required by such section or , or if it does not bear such symbols from the uniform system for identification of devices prescribed under as the Secretary by regulation requires.

(p)

Packaging or labeling of drugs in violation of regulations

If it is a drug and its packaging or labeling is in violation of an applicable regulation issued pursuant to section 1472 or 1473 of title 15.

(q)

Restricted devices using false or misleading advertising or used in violation of regulations

section 360j(e) of this titleIn the case of any restricted device distributed or offered for sale in any State, if (1) its advertising is false or misleading in any particular, or (2) it is sold, distributed, or used in violation of regulations prescribed under .

(r)

Restricted devices not carrying requisite accompanying statements in advertisements and other descriptive printed matter

section 321(m) of this titleIn the case of any restricted device distributed or offered for sale in any State, unless the manufacturer, packer, or distributor thereof includes in all advertisements and other descriptive printed matter issued or caused to be issued by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor with respect to that device (1) a true statement of the device’s established name as defined in subsection (e), printed prominently and in type at least half as large as that used for any trade or brand name thereof, and (2) a brief statement of the intended uses of the device and relevant warnings, precautions, side effects, and contraindications and, in the case of specific devices made subject to a finding by the Secretary after notice and opportunity for comment that such action is necessary to protect the public health, a full description of the components of such device or the formula showing quantitatively each ingredient of such device to the extent required in regulations which shall be issued by the Secretary after an opportunity for a hearing. Except in extraordinary circumstances, no regulation issued under this paragraph shall require prior approval by the Secretary of the content of any advertisement and no advertisement of a restricted device, published after the effective date of this paragraph shall, with respect to the matters specified in this paragraph or covered by regulations issued hereunder, be subject to the provisions of sections 52 through 55 of title 15. This paragraph shall not be applicable to any printed matter which the Secretary determines to be labeling as defined in .

(s)

Devices subject to performance standards not bearing requisite labeling

section 360d of this titleIf it is a device subject to a performance standard established under , unless it bears such labeling as may be prescribed in such performance standard.

(t)

Devices for which there has been a failure or refusal to give required notification or to furnish required material or information

section 360h of this titlesection 360i of this titlelIf it is a device and there was a failure or refusal (1) to comply with any requirement prescribed under respecting the device, (2) to furnish any material or information required by or under respecting the device, or (3) to comply with a requirement under section 360 of this title.

(u)

Identification of manufacturer

(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), if it is a reprocessed single-use device, unless it, or an attachment thereto, prominently and conspicuously bears the name of the manufacturer of the reprocessed device, a generally recognized abbreviation of such name, or a unique and generally recognized symbol identifying such manufacturer.
(2)
If the original device or an attachment thereto does not prominently and conspicuously bear the name of the manufacturer of the original device, a generally recognized abbreviation of such name, or a unique and generally recognized symbol identifying such manufacturer, a reprocessed device may satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1) through the use of a detachable label on the packaging that identifies the manufacturer and is intended to be affixed to the medical record of a patient.
(v)

Reprocessed single-use devices

If it is a reprocessed single-use device, unless all labeling of the device prominently and conspicuously bears the statement “Reprocessed device for single use. Reprocessed by __.” The name of the manufacturer of the reprocessed device shall be placed in the space identifying the person responsible for reprocessing.

(w)

New animal drugs

If it is a new animal drug—
(1)
section 360ccc of this titlesection 360ccc(f) of this titlesection 360ccc of this titlesection 360ccc(f)(1)(A) of this title that is conditionally approved under and its labeling does not conform with the approved application or , or that is not conditionally approved under and its label bears the statement set forth in ;
(2)
section 360ccc–1 of this titlesection 360ccc–1(e) of this titlesection 360ccc–1 of this titlesection 360ccc–1(h) of this title that is indexed under and its labeling does not conform with the index listing under or 360ccc–1(h) of this title, or that has not been indexed under and its label bears the statement set forth in ; or
(3)
section 360b of this title for which an application has been approved under and the labeling of such drug does not include the application number in the format: “Approved by FDA under (A)NADA # xxx–xxx”, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to representative labeling required under section 514.1(b)(3)(v)(b) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) for animal feed bearing or containing a new animal drug.
(x)

Nonprescription drugs

section 379aa of this titlesection 379aa of this titlesection 379aa of this titleIf it is a nonprescription drug (as defined in ) that is marketed in the United States, unless the label of such drug includes a domestic address or domestic phone number through which the responsible person (as described in ) may receive a report of a serious adverse event (as defined in ) with such drug.

(y)

Drugs subject to approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategy

section 355(p) of this titlesection 355–1 of this titlesection 355–1 of this titleIf it is a drug subject to an approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategy pursuant to and the responsible person (as such term is used in ) fails to comply with a requirement of such strategy provided for under subsection (d), (e), or (f) of .

(z)

Postmarket studies and clinical trials; new safety information in labeling

ooIf it is a drug, and the responsible person (as such term is used in section 355() of this title) is in violation of a requirement established under paragraph (3) (relating to postmarket studies and clinical trials) or paragraph (4) (relating to labeling) of section 355() of this title with respect to such drug.

(aa)

Unpaid fees; failure to submit identifying information

section 379j–42(a)(4) of this titlesection 379j–42(f) of this titleIf it is a drug, or an active pharmaceutical ingredient, and it was manufactured, prepared, propagated, compounded, or processed in a facility for which fees have not been paid as required by or for which identifying information required by has not been submitted, or it contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient that was manufactured, prepared, propagated, compounded, or processed in such a facility.

(bb)

False or misleading advertisement or promotion of compounded drug

If the advertising or promotion of a compounded drug is false or misleading in any particular.

(cc)

Failure to bear product identifier

section 360eee–1 of this titleIf it is a drug and it fails to bear the product identifier as required by .

(dd)

Improper labeling of antimicrobial drugs

section 360a–2(f) of this titlesection 360a–2(d) of this titleIf it is an antimicrobial drug, as defined in , and its labeling fails to conform with the requirements under .

(ee)

Nonprescription drug subject to regulation

section 355h of this titlesection 355 of this titlesection 355h of this titleIf it is a nonprescription drug that is subject to , is not the subject of an application approved under , and does not comply with the requirements under .

(ff)

Drugs manufactured, prepared, propagated, compounded, or processed in facilities for which fees have not been paid

section 379j–72 of this titleIf it is a drug and it was manufactured, prepared, propagated, compounded, or processed in a facility for which fees have not been paid as required by .

(gg)

Product information prior to approval

(1)
section 262 of title 42 Unless its labeling bears adequate directions for use in accordance with paragraph (f), except that (in addition to drugs or devices that conform with exemptions pursuant to such paragraph) no drug or device shall be deemed to be misbranded under such paragraph through the provision of truthful and not misleading product information to a payor, formulary committee, or other similar entity with knowledge and expertise in the area of health care economic analysis carrying out its responsibilities for the selection of drugs or devices for coverage or reimbursement if the product information relates to an investigational drug or device or investigational use of a drug or device that is approved, cleared, granted marketing authorization, or licensed under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or (as applicable), provided—
(A)
the product information includes—
(i)
section 262 of title 42 a clear statement that the investigational drug or device or investigational use of a drug or device has not been approved, cleared, granted marketing authorization, or licensed under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or (as applicable) and that the safety and effectiveness of such drug or device for such use has not been established;
(ii)
information related to the stage of development of the drug or device involved, such as—
(I)
the status of any study or studies in which the investigational drug or device or investigational use is being investigated;
(II)
how the study or studies relate to the overall plan for the development of the drug or device; and
(III)
whether an application, premarket notification, or request for classification for the investigational drug or device or investigational use has been submitted to the Secretary and when such a submission is planned;
(iii)
in the case of information that includes factual presentations of results from studies, which shall not be selectively presented, a description of—
(I)
all material aspects of study design, methodology, and results; and
(II)
all material limitations related to the study design, methodology, and results;
(iv)
section 262 of title 42 where applicable, a prominent statement disclosing the indication or indications for which the Secretary has approved, granted marketing authorization, cleared, or licensed the product pursuant to section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or , and a copy of the most current required labeling; and
(v)
updated information, if previously communicated information becomes materially outdated as a result of significant changes or as a result of new information regarding the product or its review status; and
(B)
the product information does not include—
(i)
information that represents that an unapproved product—
(I)
section 262 of title 42 has been approved, cleared, granted marketing authorization, or licensed under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or (as applicable); or
(II)
has otherwise been determined to be safe or effective for the purpose or purposes for which the drug or device is being studied; or
(ii)
information that represents that an unapproved use of a drug or device that has been so approved, granted marketing authorization, cleared, or licensed—
(I)
is so approved, granted marketing authorization, cleared, or licensed; or
(II)
that the product is safe or effective for the use or uses for which the drug or device is being studied.
(2)
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “product information” includes—
(A)
information describing the drug or device (such as drug class, device description, and features);
(B)
information about the indication or indications being investigated;
(C)
section 262 of title 42 the anticipated timeline for a possible approval, clearance, marketing authorization, or licensure pursuant to section 355, 360(k), 360c, or 360e of this title or ;
(D)
drug or device pricing information;
(E)
patient utilization projections;
(F)
product-related programs or services; and
(G)
factual presentations of results from studies that do not characterize or make conclusions regarding safety or efficacy.

June 25, 1938, ch. 675, § 50252 Stat. 1050June 23, 1939, ch. 242, § 353 Stat. 854Dec. 22, 1941, ch. 613, § 255 Stat. 851July 6, 1945, ch. 281, § 259 Stat. 463Mar. 10, 1947, ch. 16, § 261 Stat. 11July 13, 1949, ch. 305, § 163 Stat. 409Aug. 5, 1953, ch. 334, § 167 Stat. 389Pub. L. 86–618, title I, § 102(b)(2)74 Stat. 398Pub. L. 87–781, title I76 Stat. 785Pub. L. 90–399, § 105(a)82 Stat. 352Pub. L. 91–601, § 6(d)84 Stat. 1673Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1205(c)95 Stat. 716Pub. L. 94–29590 Stat. 577Pub. L. 95–633, title I, § 11192 Stat. 3773Pub. L. 102–300, § 3(a)(2)106 Stat. 239Pub. L. 102–571, title I, § 107(9)106 Stat. 4499Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m)107 Stat. 777Pub. L. 105–115, title I111 Stat. 2312Pub. L. 107–250, title II, § 206116 Stat. 1613Pub. L. 108–214, § 2(b)(2)(B)118 Stat. 575Pub. L. 108–282, title I, § 102(b)(5)(E)118 Stat. 902Pub. L. 109–43, § 2(c)(1)119 Stat. 441Pub. L. 109–462, § 2(d)120 Stat. 3472Pub. L. 110–85, title IX121 Stat. 940Pub. L. 112–144, title III, § 306126 Stat. 1024Pub. L. 112–193, § 2(a)126 Stat. 1443Pub. L. 113–54, title I, § 103(b)127 Stat. 597Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III130 Stat. 1105Pub. L. 115–234, title III, § 303(a)132 Stat. 2436Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3852134 Stat. 454Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, § 3630(a)136 Stat. 5893(, ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , , ; , §§ 105(c), 112(a), (b), 131(a), title III, § 305, , , 790, 791, 795; , , ; , formerly § 7(d), , , renumbered , , ; , §§ 3(e), 4(b)(2), 5(a), 9(b)(2), , , 580, 583; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 114(a), 125(a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(D), 126(b), title IV, § 412(c), , , 2325, 2327, 2375; , title III, §§ 301(a), 302(a)(1), , , 1616; , , ; , , ; , , ; , , ; , §§ 901(d)(3)(A), (6), 902(a), 906(a), , , 942, 943, 949; , title VII, §§ 702(a), 714(c), , , 1065, 1074; , , ; , title II, § 206(b), , , 639; , §§ 3037, 3044(b)(2), , , 1121; , , ; , , ; , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 117–328, § 3630(a)(1)section 355 of this titlesection 262(a) of title 42section 355 of this titlesection 262(a) of title 42section 262 of title 42section 355 of this titlesection 262 of title 42section 262 of title 42section 355(a) of this titlesection 262 of title 422022—Subsec. (a)(1). –(3), substituted “drugs or devices for coverage” for “drugs for coverage”, “drug or device” for “drug” in two places, “under or under ” for “under or under ”, “under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or ” for “under or under ”, and “in section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or ” for “in or in subsections (a) and (k) of ”.

Pub. L. 117–328, § 3630(a)(1)(B)Subsec. (a)(2)(A). , substituted “drug or device” for “drug” in two places.

Pub. L. 117–328, § 3630(a)(1)(B)section 262 of title 42section 355 of this titlesection 262 of title 42Subsec. (a)(2)(B). , (2), substituted “drug or device” for “drug” and “under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or ” for “under or under ”.

Pub. L. 117–328, § 3630(a)(4)Subsec. (gg). , added subsec. (gg).

Pub. L. 116–1362020—Subsecs. (ee), (ff). added subsecs. (ee) and (ff).

Pub. L. 115–2342018—Subsec. (w)(3). added par. (3).

Pub. L. 114–255, § 3037section 355 of this titlesection 262 of title 42section 355(a) of this titlesection 262 of title 42section 355(a) of this titlesection 262(a) of title 422016—Subsec. (a). , designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “a payor, formulary committee, or other similar entity with knowledge and expertise in the area of health care economic analysis, carrying out its responsibilities for the selection of drugs for coverage or reimbursement” for “a formulary committee, or other similar entity, in the course of the committee or the entity carrying out its responsibilities for the selection of drugs for managed care or other similar organizations”, “relates” for “directly relates”, and “, is based on competent and reliable scientific evidence, and includes, where applicable, a conspicuous and prominent statement describing any material differences between the health care economic information and the labeling approved for the drug under or under . The requirements set forth in or in subsections (a) and (k) of shall not apply to health care economic information provided to such a payor, committee, or entity in accordance with this paragraph” for “and is based on competent and reliable scientific evidence. The requirements set forth in or in shall not apply to health care economic information provided to such a committee or entity in accordance with this paragraph”, struck out “In this paragraph, the term ‘health care economic information’ means any analysis that identifies, measures, or compares the economic consequences, including the costs of the represented health outcomes, of the use of a drug to the use of another drug, to another health care intervention, or to no intervention.” at end, and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 114–255, § 3044(b)(2)Subsec. (dd). , added subsec. (dd).

Pub. L. 113–54, § 103(b)2013—Par. (bb). , added par. (bb).

Pub. L. 113–54, § 206(b)Par. (cc). , added par. (cc).

oPub. L. 112–144, § 714(c)section 381(s) of this titlesection 360 of this title2012—Par. (). , inserted “if it is a drug and was imported or offered for import by a commercial importer of drugs not duly registered under ,” after “not duly registered under ,”.

Pub. L. 112–144, § 702(a), struck out “in any State” after “establishment”.

Pub. L. 112–193Par. (aa). substituted “379j–42(a)(4)” for “379j–41(a)(4)”.

Pub. L. 112–144, § 306, added par. (aa).

Pub. L. 110–85, § 906(a)section 371(a) of this title2007—Par. (n). , inserted “and in the case of published direct-to-consumer advertisements the following statement printed in conspicuous text: ‘You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1–800-FDA-1088.’,” after “,”.

Pub. L. 110–85, § 901(d)(6)section 371(a) of this titlesection 371(e) of this title, substituted “” for “the procedure specified in ”.

Pub. L. 110–85, § 901(d)(3)(A)section 353(b)(1) of this title, inserted at end “In the case of an advertisement for a drug subject to presented directly to consumers in television or radio format and stating the name of the drug and its conditions of use, the major statement relating to side effects and contraindications shall be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner.”

Pub. L. 110–85, § 902(a)Pars. (y), (z). , added pars. (y) and (z).

Pub. L. 109–4622006—Par. (x). added par. (x).

Pub. L. 109–432005—Par. (u). amended par. (u) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (u) read as follows: “If it is a device, unless it, or an attachment thereto, prominently and conspicuously bears the name of the manufacturer of the device, a generally recognized abbreviation of such name, or a unique and generally recognized symbol identifying such manufacturer, except that the Secretary may waive any requirement under this paragraph for the device if the Secretary determines that compliance with the requirement is not feasible for the device or would compromise the provision of reasonable assurance of the safety or effectiveness of the device.”

Pub. L. 108–2142004—Par. (f). , in last sentence, inserted “or by a health care professional and required labeling for in vitro diagnostic devices intended for use by health care professionals or in blood establishments” after “in health care facilities”, inserted comma after “means”, substituted “requirements of law, and that the manufacturer affords such users the opportunity” for “requirements of law and, that the manufacturer affords health care facilities the opportunity”, and struck out “the health care facility” after “promptly provides”.

Pub. L. 108–282Par. (w). added par. (w).

Pub. L. 107–250, § 2062002—Par. (f). , inserted at end “Required labeling for prescription devices intended for use in health care facilities may be made available solely by electronic means provided that the labeling complies with all applicable requirements of law and, that the manufacturer affords health care facilities the opportunity to request the labeling in paper form, and after such request, promptly provides the health care facility the requested information without additional cost.”

Pub. L. 107–250, § 301(a)Par. (u). , which directed amendment of section by adding par. (u) at end, was executed by adding par. (u) before par. (v) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 107–250, § 302(a)(1)Par. (v). , added par. (v).

Pub. L. 105–115, § 114(a)section 355 of this titlesection 262(a) of title 42section 355(a) of this titlesection 262(a) of title 421997—Par. (a). , inserted at end “Health care economic information provided to a formulary committee, or other similar entity, in the course of the committee or the entity carrying out its responsibilities for the selection of drugs for managed care or other similar organizations, shall not be considered to be false or misleading under this paragraph if the health care economic information directly relates to an indication approved under or under for such drug and is based on competent and reliable scientific evidence. The requirements set forth in or in shall not apply to health care economic information provided to such a committee or entity in accordance with this paragraph. Information that is relevant to the substantiation of the health care economic information presented pursuant to this paragraph shall be made available to the Secretary upon request. In this paragraph, the term ‘health care economic information’ means any analysis that identifies, measures, or compares the economic consequences, including the costs of the represented health outcomes, of the use of a drug to the use of another drug, to another health care intervention, or to no intervention.”

Pub. L. 105–115, § 126(b)Par. (d). , struck out par. (d) which read as follows: “If it is for use by man and contains any quantity of the narcotic or hypnotic substance alpha eucaine, barbituric acid, betaeucaine, bromal, cannabis, carbromal, chloral, coca, cocaine, codeine, heroin, marihuana, morphine, opium, paraldehyde, peyote, or sulphonmethane; or any chemical derivative of such substance, which derivative has been by the Secretary, after investigation, found to be, and by regulations designated as, habit forming; unless its label bears the name and quantity or proportion of such substance or derivative and in juxtaposition therewith the statement ‘Warning—May be habit forming.’ ”

Pub. L. 105–115, § 412(c)ProvidedProvidedPar. (e)(1). , amended subpar. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (1) read as follows: “If it is a drug, unless (A) its label bears, to the exclusion of any other nonproprietary name (except the applicable systematic chemical name or the chemical formula), (i) the established name (as defined in subparagraph (3)) of the drug, if such there be, and (ii), in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the established name and quantity of each active ingredient, including the quantity, kind, and proportion of any alcohol, and also including, whether active or not, the established name and quantity or proportion of any bromides, ether, chloroform, acetanilid, acetphenetidin, amidopyrine, antipyrine, atropine, hyo­scine, hyoscyamine, arsenic, digitalis, digitalis glucosides, mercury ouabain strophanthin, strychnine, thyroid, or any derivative or preparation of any such substances, contained therein; , That the requirement for stating the quantity of the active ingredients, other than the quantity of those specifically named in this paragraph, shall apply only to prescription drugs; and (B) for any prescription drug the established name of such drug or ingredient, as the case may be, on such label (and on any labeling on which a name for such drug or ingredient is used) is printed prominently and in type at least half as large as that used thereon for any proprietary name or designation for such drug or ingredient: , That to the extent that compliance with the requirements of clause (A)(ii) or clause (B) of this subparagraph is impracticable, exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary.”

Pub. L. 105–115, § 125(a)(2)(B)section 356 of this titlePar. (k). , struck out par. (k) which read as follows: “If it is, or purports to be, or is represented as a drug composed wholly or partly of insulin, unless (1) it is from a batch with respect to which a certificate or release has been issued pursuant to , and (2) such certificate or release is in effect with respect to such drug.”

lPub. L. 105–115, § 125(b)(2)(D)lsection 357 of this titleProvidedPar. (). , struck out par. () which read as follows: “If it is, or purports to be, or is represented as a drug (except a drug for use in animals other than man) composed wholly or partly of any kind of penicillin, streptomycin, chlortetracycline, chloramphenicol, bacitracin, or any other antibiotic drug, or any derivative thereof, unless (1) it is from a batch with respect to which a certificate or release has been issued pursuant to , and (2) such certificate or release is in effect with respect to such drug: , That this paragraph shall not apply to any drug or class of drugs exempted by regulations promulgated under section 357(c) or (d) of this title.”

Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m)(1)Provided1993—Par. (e)(3). , substituted “of such ingredient, except that” for “of such ingredient: , That”.

Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m)(2)ProvidedPar. (f). , substituted “users, except that where” for “users: , That where”.

Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m)(3)ProvidedProvided furtherPar. (g). , substituted “prescribed therein. The method” for “prescribed therein: , That the method” and “Pharmacopoeia, except that” for “Pharmacopoeia: , That,”.

Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m)(4)ProvidedPar. (n). , substituted “, except that (A)” for “: , That (A)”.

Pub. L. 102–5711992—Par. (m). substituted “379e” for “376”.

Pub. L. 102–300Par. (t)(3). added cl. (3).

Pub. L. 95–6331978—Par. (n). inserted provision relating to the construction of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

Pub. L. 94–295, § 5(a)1976—Par. (e). , substituted “subparagraph (3)” for “subparagraph (2)” in subpar. (1), added subpar. (2), redesignated former subpar. (2) as (3) and in subpar. (3) as so redesignated substituted “subparagraph (1)” for “this paragraph (e)”, and added subpar. (4).

Pub. L. 94–295, § 3(e)(2)Par. (j). , substituted “dosage or manner,” for “dosage,”.

Pub. L. 94–295, § 9(b)(2)Par. (m). , substituted “the intended use of which is for” for “the intended use of which in or on drugs is for”.

oPub. L. 94–295, § 4(b)(2)section 360(j) of this titlesection 360(k) of this titlesection 360(e) of this titlePar. (). , substituted “If it was manufactured” for “If it is a drug and was manufactured” and inserted “, if it was not included in a list required by , if a notice or other information respecting it was not provided as required by such section or , or if it does not bear such symbols from the uniform system for identification of devices prescribed under as the Secretary by regulation requires”.

Pub. L. 94–295, § 3(e)(1)Pars. (q) to (t). , added pars. (q) to (t).

Pub. L. 91–6011970—Par. (p). added par. (p).

lPub. L. 90–3991968—Par. (). inserted “(except a drug for use in animals other than man)” after “represented as a drug”.

Pub. L. 87–781, § 112(a)1962—Par. (e). , designated existing provisions as subpar. (1), substituted “, unless (A) its label bears, to the exclusion of any other nonproprietary name (except the applicable systematic chemical name or the chemical formula), (i) the established name (as defined in subparagraph (2) of this subsection) of the drug, if such there be, and (ii), in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the established name and quantity” for “and is not designated solely by a name recognized in an official compendium unless its label bears (1) the common or usual name of the drug, if such there be; and (2), in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the common or usual name”, and “the established name” for “the name”, provided that the requirement for stating the quantity of active ingredients, other than those specified in this par., applies only to prescription drugs, and that the established name of a drug on a label is to be printed prominently and in type at least half as large as used for any proprietary designation, and added subpar. (2) defining “established name”.

Pub. L. 87–781, § 112(b)Par. (g). , provided that if there is an inconsistency between the provisions of this par. and those of par. (e), as to the name of a drug, the requirements of par. (e) should prevail.

lPub. L. 87–781, § 105(c)Par. (). , substituted “bacitracin, or any other antibiotic drug” for “or bacitracin.”

Pub. L. 87–781, § 131(a)Par. (n). , added par. (n).

oPub. L. 87–781, § 305oPar. (). , added par. ().

Pub. L. 86–6181960—Par. (m). added par. (m).

l1953—Par. (). Act , substituted “chlortetracycline” for “aureomycin”.

l1949—Par. (). Act , inserted “, aureomycin, chloramphenicol, or bacitracin” after “streptomycin”.

l1947—Par. (). Act , inserted “or streptomycin” after “penicillin”.

ll1945—Par. (). Act , added par. ().

1941—Par. (k). Act , added par. (k).

1939—Par. (d). Act , substituted “name, and quality or proportion” for “name, quantity, and percentage”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–234, title III, § 303(b)132 Stat. 2436

21 U.S.C. 352(w)(3)“Section 502(w)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [], as added by subsection (a), shall apply beginning on .”
, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

section 306 of Pub. L. 112–144section 305 of Pub. L. 112–144section 379j–41 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as an Effective and Termination Dates note under .

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–85section 909 of Pub. L. 110–85section 331 of this titleAmendment by effective 180 days after , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–462, § 2(e)(1)120 Stat. 3472

“(1)

In general .—

section 379aa of this titlesection 331 of this titleExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting and amending this section and ] shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [].
“(2)

Misbranding .—

21 U.S.C. 352(x)Section 502(x) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [] (as added by this section) shall apply to any nonprescription drug (as defined in such section 502(x)) labeled on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [].”
, (2), , , provided that:

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–250, title III, § 301(b)116 Stat. 1616Pub. L. 108–214, § 2(c)(1)118 Stat. 575Pub. L. 109–43, § 2(d)119 Stat. 441

21 U.S.C. 352(u)Pub. L. 109–43“Section 502(u) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [] (as amended by section 2(c) of the Medical Device User Fee Stabilization Act of 2005 [])—
“(1)
shall be effective—
“(A)
with respect to devices described under paragraph (1) of such section, 12 months after the date of enactment of the Medical Device User Fee Stabilization Act of 2005 [], or the date on which the original device first bears the name of the manufacturer of the original device, a generally recognized abbreviation of such name, or a unique and generally recognized symbol identifying such manufacturer, whichever is later; and
“(B)
with respect to devices described under paragraph (2) of such section 502(u), 12 months after such date of enactment; and
“(2)
shall apply only to devices reprocessed and introduced or delivered for introduction in interstate commerce after such applicable effective date.”
, , , as amended by , , ; , , , provided that:

Pub. L. 107–250, title III, § 302(a)(2)116 Stat. 1616

“The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] takes effect 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [], and only applies to devices introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce after such effective date.”
, , , provided that:

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–115section 501 of Pub. L. 105–115section 321 of this titleAmendment by sections 114(a), 126(b), and 412(c) of effective 90 days after , except as otherwise provided, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–633section 112 of Pub. L. 95–633section 801a of this titleAmendment by effective on date the Convention on Psychotropic Substances enters into force in the United States [], see , set out as an Effective Date note under .

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–601section 8 of Pub. L. 91–601section 1471 of Title 15Amendment by effective , and regulations establishing special packaging standards effective no sooner than 180 days or later than one year from date regulations are final, or an earlier date published in Federal Register, see , set out as an Effective Date note under , Commerce and Trade.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–399section 108(a) of Pub. L. 90–399section 360b of this titleAmendment by effective on first day of thirteenth calendar month after , see , set out as an Effective Date and Transitional Provisions note under .

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–781, title I, § 112(c)76 Stat. 791

“This section [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the seventh calendar month following the month in which this Act is enacted [October 1962].”
, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 87–781, title I, § 131(b)76 Stat. 792

21 U.S.C. 352(n)21 U.S.C. 371(e)“No drug which was being commercially distributed prior to the date of enactment of this Act [] shall be deemed to be misbranded under paragraph (n) of section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [], as added by this section, until the earlier of the following dates: (1) the first day of the seventh month following the month in which this Act is enacted; or (2) the effective date of regulations first issued under clause (3) of such paragraph (n) in accordance with the procedure specified in section 701(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [].”
, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 87–781section 107 of Pub. L. 87–781section 321 of this titleAmendment by effective on first day of seventh calendar month following October 1962, see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Pub. L. 86–618section 203 of Pub. L. 86–618section 202 of Pub. L. 86–618section 379e of this titleAmendment by effective , subject to the provisions of , see , set out as a note under .

Effective Date; Postponement

act June 23, 1939, ch. 24253 Stat. 853section 301 of this titlePars. (b) and (d) to (h) effective , and such paragraphs effective , as provided by regulations for certain lithographed labeling and containers bearing certain labeling, see , , set out as an Effective Date: Postponement in Certain Cases note under .

Regulations

Pub. L. 110–85, title IX, § 901(d)(3)(B)121 Stat. 940

21 U.S.C. 352(n)“Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 [], the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall by regulation establish standards for determining whether a major statement relating to side effects and contraindications of a drug, described in section 502(n) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act () (as amended by subparagraph (A)) is presented in the manner required under such section.”
, , , provided that:

Construction of 2016 Amendment

section 3044(b)(2) of Pub. L. 114–255section 356(h) of this titlesection 3043 of Pub. L. 114–255section 356 of this titleNothing in amendment by to be construed to restrict the prescribing of antimicrobial drugs or other products, including drugs approved under , by health care professionals, or to limit the practice of health care, see , set out as a note under .

Presentation of Prescription Drug Benefit and Risk Information

Pub. L. 111–148, title III, § 3507124 Stat. 530

“(a)

In General .—

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ‘Secretary’), acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall determine whether the addition of quantitative summaries of the benefits and risks of prescription drugs in a standardized format (such as a table or drug facts box) to the promotional labeling or print advertising of such drugs would improve health care decisionmaking by clinicians and patients and consumers.
“(b)

Review and Consultation .—

In making the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall review all available scientific evidence and research on decisionmaking and social and cognitive psychology and consult with drug manufacturers, clinicians, patients and consumers, experts in health literacy, representatives of racial and ethnic minorities, and experts in women’s and pediatric health.
“(c)

Report .—

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [], the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that provides—
“(1)
the determination by the Secretary under subsection (a); and
“(2)
the reasoning and analysis underlying that determination.
“(d)

Authority .—

If the Secretary determines under subsection (a) that the addition of quantitative summaries of the benefits and risks of prescription drugs in a standardized format (such as a table or drug facts box) to the promotional labeling or print advertising of such drugs would improve health care decisionmaking by clinicians and patients and consumers, then the Secretary, not later than 3 years after the date of submission of the report under subsection (c), shall promulgate proposed regulations as necessary to implement such format.
“(e)

Clarification .—

Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the existing authorities of the Secretary with respect to benefit and risk information.”
, , , provided that:

Guidance; Misbranded Devices

Pub. L. 109–43, § 2(c)(2)119 Stat. 441

21 U.S.C. 352(u)“Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [], the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue guidance to identify circumstances in which the name of the manufacturer of the original device, a generally recognized abbreviation of such name, or a unique and generally recognized symbol identifying such manufacturer, is not ‘prominent and conspicuous’, as used in section 502(u) of Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [] (as amended by paragraph (1)).”
, , , provided that:

Studies

Pub. L. 110–85, title IX, § 906(b)121 Stat. 950

“(1)

In general .—

21 U.S.C. 360bbb–621 U.S.C. 352(n)In the case of direct-to-consumer television advertisements, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Risk Communication under section 567 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [] (as added by section 917), shall, not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [], conduct a study to determine if the statement in section 502(n) of such Act [] (as added by subsection (a)) required with respect to published direct-to-consumer advertisements is appropriate for inclusion in such television advertisements.
“(2)

Content .—

As part of the study under paragraph (1), such Secretary shall consider whether the information in the statement described in paragraph (1) would detract from the presentation of risk information in a direct-to-consumer television advertisement. If such Secretary determines the inclusion of such statement is appropriate in direct-to-consumer television advertisements, such Secretary shall issue regulations requiring the implementation of such statement in direct-to-consumer television advertisements, including determining a reasonable length of time for displaying the statement in such advertisements. The Secretary shall report to the appropriate committees of Congress the findings of such study and any plans to issue regulations under this paragraph.”
, , , provided that:

Pub. L. 108–173, title I, § 107(f)117 Stat. 2171, , , directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to undertake a study of how to make prescription pharmaceutical information, including drug labels and usage instructions, accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals, and to submit a report to Congress not later than 18 months after .

Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 114(b)111 Stat. 2312

“The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the implementation of the provisions added by the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section]. Not later than 4 years and 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [], the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit to Congress a report containing the findings of the study.”
, , , provided that:

Counterfeiting of Drugs; Congressional Findings and Declaration of Policy

Pub. L. 89–74, § 9(a)79 Stat. 234

21 U.S.C. 352(i)“The Congress finds and declares that there is a substantial traffic in counterfeit drugs simulating the brand or other identifying mark or device of the manufacturer of the genuine article; that such traffic poses a serious hazard to the health of innocent consumers of such drugs because of the lack of proper qualifications, facilities, and manufacturing controls on the part of the counterfeiter, whose operations are clandestine; that, while such drugs are deemed misbranded within the meaning of section 502(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [], the controls for the suppression of the traffic in such drugs are inadequate because of the difficulty of determining the place of interstate origin of such drugs and, if that place is discovered, the fact that the implements for counterfeiting are not subject to seizure, and that these factors require enactment of additional controls with respect to such drugs without regard to their interstate or intrastate origins.”
, , , provided that:

section 11 of Pub. L. 89–74section 321 of this titleProvisions as effective , see , set out as an Effective Date of 1965 Amendment note under .

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

section 321 of this titleFor transfer of functions of Federal Security Administrator to Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Health and Human Services], and of Food and Drug Administration in the Department of Agriculture to Federal Security Agency, see notes set out under .