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What You Need to Know About GLNs 

What is a GLN? A GLN is a Global Location Number. It’s a unique identifier used to identify parties and locations in the supply chain. Why is it necessary for pharmacies to have one? Well, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requires all pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and dispensers to have a standardized approach to location identification. The GLN is used to identify the “who” and “where” of product movement transactions. By creating GLNs and sharing that information with trading partners, pharmacies can fully track and trace their products, manage saleable returns, and meet other DSCSA requirements. 

So how do you get a GLN? There are a few ways to acquire a GLN number. One is to check with your primary wholesaler to see if they have already acquired one on your behalf. Some primaries have done this for their customers to streamline the process. Another option is to sign up through the GS1 web store. You can easily access the correct page by using the link you’ll see in the notification message above your order history.  

Signing up is a quick and easy process. Click the link for GS1US.org. You’ll see the orange box at the top of the screen that says Get A Barcode. Then Follow the prompts for adding your Global Location Number to your cart and checking out. Will you need more than one GLN? Most pharmacies only need one. If you have more than one pharmacy location in your chain then each location will require its own GLN number. A good rule of thumb is if the location has its own state pharmacy license then it should have its own GLN as well. 

Alright, you have your GLN. What now? On that same notification you found on the main screen above your order history you can click the link to update your GLN on our platform. It will take you to your demographic information where the number can be input under your Zip Code. Don’t forget to save. 

Once you have completed that all of the wholesalers you are contracted with on PharmSaver will be provided with your GLN information during your purchase transactions. 

If you signed up with GS1 don’t forget to notify your primary of your new GLN number. Although we’ve all been given a reprieve on the 2023 DSCSA deadline until next year some primary wholesalers are still requiring a GLN by this year. If you have any questions about the sign-up process or need assistance we’re here to help!  

Tech Tips for Pharmacies

Top 3 Apps Pharmacies Should Be Using

All of these apps have some of the standard things in common. Of course, you’ll be able to easily find dosing parameters, side effects, drug interactions, pill identification, etc. So let's talk about what makes each of these apps stand out from the rest. 

Epoctrates

Epocrates was the first app of its kind, brought to Apple when the iPhone was in its infancy by a petition led by a California Neurologist and almost 500 signatures from other doctors. Epocrates offers exhaustive information from trusted resources covering drugs, herbs, supplements, diseases, and much more. Check out some of their educational tools like their picture quiz.

 Drugs.com

Drugs.com isn’t just a website. It’s also one of the most recognized and widely used pharmacy apps available. Its quick and efficient design offers several useful features including drug monographs sourced directly from the FDA. You’ll also find they have a side-by-side drug comparison tool and a search function that allows you to find drugs phonetically.

 Merck Manual

This is your go-to comprehensive reference guide for thousands of medical conditions. The Merk manual hosts topics written by over 350 physicians and is being added to frequently. This app is incredibly user-friendly offering easy to save, download, and print articles. Video content, up-to-date news, calculators, quizzes, and much more. They’ve even hoped on the microlearning train by offering what’s called the “Pearl of the Day” every time you open the app. A quick piece of knowledge that you can click a link and learn more about if you’re interested.

So if you aren’t using at least one of these incredible apps we highly recommend you go check them out. You can find them in both the Apple and Android app stores. Clicking the titles for each app will also take you to the product website where you can find links to their apps as well. 

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