Check the medication’s packaging carefully. Look for inconsistencies in printing, spelling errors, or blurry images. Authentic medications have consistent, high-quality packaging.
Verify the source. Purchase medications only from licensed pharmacies or reputable online distributors. Avoid suspiciously cheap offers; they’re often too good to be true.
Use a reliable medication verification system. Several independent services provide tools to check if a specific medication is authentic. These often involve scanning a code or entering a batch number.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you identify potential counterfeit drugs and discuss safer sourcing options. Discuss your concerns about a particular medication or supplier.
Be aware of common counterfeiting methods. Counterfeiters might alter the active ingredients, use inactive fillers, or even repackage expired medications. Understanding these tactics can help you spot potential problems.
| Incorrect dosage | Ineffective treatment or overdose | Verify dosage with your doctor and pharmacist |
| Contaminated ingredients | Adverse reactions or serious health problems | Source medications from reputable suppliers |
| Inactive or missing active ingredients | Treatment failure | Use medication verification systems |
| Expired medications | Reduced effectiveness and potential harm | Check expiration dates meticulously |
Report suspicious activity. If you suspect you’ve encountered counterfeit medication, report it to the appropriate regulatory agencies. Your report may help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
