What must OTC products have that is similar to prescription drugs?

Over-the-counter (OTC) products, much like prescription medications, are required to have an National Drug Code (NDC) number. This unique identifier provides essential information about the drug, including its manufacturer, formulation, and package size, allowing for better tracking and regulation. The presence of an NDC number helps ensure that these products can be properly classified and monitored within the healthcare system, maintaining safety and efficacy standards.

The other options do not have the same regulatory requirement for OTC products. Prescription labels, while critical for prescription drugs, are not a requirement for OTC medications, as they are typically labeled for direct consumer usage without needing a healthcare professional's intermediacy. A list of adverse effects might be included within the product's labeling or packaging, but it is not mandated in the same way as it is for prescription drugs, where detailed warning labels are crucial. Similarly, while contraindications should be outlined for OTC medications for consumer safety reasons, they are not a regulatory requirement akin to that of the NDC number. Thus, the NDC number serves as the parallel requirement that OTC products share with prescription drugs.