Identify Generic vs Brand Drugs
As a Pharmacy Tech, I frequently need to identify if a drug is generic or brand-name based on its National Drug Code (NDC). A common rule of thumb is that if the first digit of the NDC code is '0', it often indicates a generic drug. I need a quick way to extract and check this first digit across a large list of NDCs to ensure proper inventory management, billing, and patient counseling.
=LEFT(A2,1)="0" How it works: The `LEFT` function extracts a specified number of characters from the beginning of a text string. In this scenario, `LEFT(A2,1)` extracts the very first character of the NDC code located in cell A2. We then compare this extracted character to the text string '0' using `="0"`. The formula returns `TRUE` if the first character is '0', indicating a potential generic drug, and `FALSE` otherwise, allowing for quick and automated identification within your drug inventory.
Data Setup
| NDC Code | Drug Name |
|---|---|
| 00002-8320-01 | Lisinopril 10mg |
| 50111-0123-05 | Lipitor 20mg |
| 00003-0001-10 | Metformin 500mg |
| 60505-1234-01 | Tylenol 500mg |
| 00001-0001-01 | Amoxicillin 250mg |
Step-by-Step Guide
Select the cell where you want the result to appear (e.g., B2).
Enter the formula: `=LEFT(A2,1)="0"` (assuming your first NDC code is in cell A2).
Press Enter. The cell will display `TRUE` if the first digit of the NDC is '0' (potentially generic) and `FALSE` otherwise (potentially brand or other).
Drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the selected cell) down to apply the formula to the rest of your NDC codes.