United States Code

USC most recently checked for updates: Dec 04, 2024

§ 352.
Misbranded drugs and devices
A drug or device shall be deemed to be misbranded—
(a)
False or misleading label
(1)
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 section 262 of title 42 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 section 262 of title 42. The requirements set forth in section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or section 262 of title 42 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)
For purposes of this paragraph,1
1
 So in original. The term “health care economic information” appears only in par. (1).
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 s
(B)
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 section 262 of title 42 for such drug or device.
(b)
Package form; contents of label

If 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: Provided, 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)
Repealed. Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 126(b), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2327
(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)
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 section 358 of this title, 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)
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 section 358 of this title, (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)
, (l) Repealed. Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 125(a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(D), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2325
(m)
Color additives; packing and labeling

If 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 section 379e of this title.

(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

In 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 section 371(a) of this title, 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 section 321(m) of this title. Nothing in the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, signed at Vienna, Austria, on February 21, 1971, shall be construed to prevent drug price communications to consumers. In the case of an advertisement for a drug subject to section 353(b)(1) of this title 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

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

In 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 section 360j(e) of this title.

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

In 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 section 321(m) of this title.

(s)
Devices subject to performance standards not bearing requisite labeling

If it is a device subject to a performance standard established under section 360d of this title, 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

If it is a device and there was a failure or refusal (1) to comply with any requirement prescribed under section 360h of this title respecting the device, (2) to furnish any material or information required by or under section 360i of this title respecting the device, or (3) to comply with a requirement under section 360l 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)
that is conditionally approved under section 360ccc of this title and its labeling does not conform with the approved application or section 360ccc(f) of this title, or that is not conditionally approved under section 360ccc of this title and its label bears the statement set forth in section 360ccc(f)(1)(A) of this title;
(2)
that is indexed under section 360ccc–1 of this title and its labeling does not conform with the index listing under section 360ccc–1(e) of this title or 360ccc–1(h) of this title, or that has not been indexed under section 360ccc–1 of this title and its label bears the statement set forth in section 360ccc–1(h) of this title; or
(3)
for which an application has been approved under section 360b of this title 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

If it is a nonprescription drug (as defined in section 379aa of this title) 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 section 379aa of this title) may receive a report of a serious adverse event (as defined in section 379aa of this title) with such drug.

(y)
Drugs subject to approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategy

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

(z)
Postmarket studies and clinical trials; new safety information in labeling

If it is a drug, and the responsible person (as such term is used in section 355(o) 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(o) of this title with respect to such drug.

(aa)
Unpaid fees; failure to submit identifying information

If 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 section 379j–42(a)(4) of this title or for which identifying information required by section 379j–42(f) of this title 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

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

(dd)
Improper labeling of antimicrobial drugs

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

(ee)
Nonprescription drug subject to regulation

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

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

If 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 section 379j–72 of this title.

(gg)
Product information prior to approval
(1)
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 section 262 of title 42 (as applicable), provided—
(A)
the product information includes—
(i)
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 section 262 of title 42 (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)
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 section 262 of title 42, 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)
has been approved, cleared, granted marketing authorization, or licensed under section 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), or 360e of this title or section 262 of title 42 (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)
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 section 262 of title 42;
(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, § 502, 52 Stat. 1050; June 23, 1939, ch. 242, § 3, 53 Stat. 854; Dec. 22, 1941, ch. 613, § 2, 55 Stat. 851; July 6, 1945, ch. 281, § 2, 59 Stat. 463; Mar. 10, 1947, ch. 16, § 2, 61 Stat. 11; July 13, 1949, ch. 305, § 1, 63 Stat. 409; Aug. 5, 1953, ch. 334, § 1, 67 Stat. 389; Pub. L. 86–618, title I, § 102(b)(2), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 398; Pub. L. 87–781, title I, §§ 105(c), 112(a), (b), 131(a), title III, § 305, Oct. 10, 1962, 76 Stat. 785, 790, 791, 795; Pub. L. 90–399, § 105(a), July 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 352; Pub. L. 91–601, § 6(d), formerly § 7(d), Dec. 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 1673, renumbered Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1205(c), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 716; Pub. L. 94–295, §§ 3(e), 4(b)(2), 5(a), 9(b)(2), May 28, 1976, 90 Stat. 577, 580, 583; Pub. L. 95–633, title I, § 111, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3773; Pub. L. 102–300, § 3(a)(2), June 16, 1992, 106 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 102–571, title I, § 107(9), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4499; Pub. L. 103–80, § 3(m), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 777; Pub. L. 105–115, title I, §§ 114(a), 125(a)(2)(B), (b)(2)(D), 126(b), title IV, § 412(c), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2312, 2325, 2327, 2375; Pub. L. 107–250, title II, § 206, title III, §§ 301(a), 302(a)(1), Oct. 26, 2002, 116 Stat. 1613, 1616; Pub. L. 108–214, § 2(b)(2)(B), Apr. 1, 2004, 118 Stat. 575; Pub. L. 108–282, title I, § 102(b)(5)(E), Aug. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 109–43, § 2(c)(1), Aug. 1, 2005, 119 Stat. 441; Pub. L. 109–462, § 2(d), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3472; Pub. L. 110–85, title IX, §§ 901(d)(3)(A), (6), 902(a), 906(a), Sept. 27, 2007, 121 Stat. 940, 942, 943, 949; Pub. L. 112–144, title III, § 306, title VII, §§ 702(a), 714(c), July 9, 2012, 126 Stat. 1024, 1065, 1074; Pub. L. 112–193, § 2(a), Oct. 5, 2012, 126 Stat. 1443; Pub. L. 113–54, title I, § 103(b), title II, § 206(b), Nov. 27, 2013, 127 Stat. 597, 639; Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title III, §§ 3037, 3044(b)(2), Dec. 13, 2016, 130 Stat. 1105, 1121; Pub. L. 115–234, title III, § 303(a), Aug. 14, 2018, 132 Stat. 2436; Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3852, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 454; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, § 3630(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5893.)
cite as: 21 USC 352