How to Identify Fake Drugs

Finding inadequate drugs is a challenging task. Some are fake, and others may be deceased (producing less-than-ideal or unsatisfactory results). The use of counterfeit medications might result in anything from delayed treatment to dangerous consequences. Even though consumers lack testing equipment at home, there are methods for identifying and avoiding fraudulent drugs.

India has a severe problem with fake medications. Because pharmaceutical companies are so profitable, many fakes are encouraged to produce copy medications, endangering human lives. Although it is not an easy task, it should be possible to verify a prescription’s validity by using these tricks.

1. Examine the Packaging

This is the simplest and least complicated method of determining whether or not a medicine is legitimate. Look for nuances in the package, such as odd font styles, print shading, and spelling errors. Analyze whether it appears similar to or different from your previous use.

2. There Is No Seal Break

The security seal should be protected, especially regarding packaged medications. Check the mending tape for breaks or splits.

3. Examine The Tablets And Dosage Form

Look for differences in the medication’s outward appearance, such as color, size, consistency, form, etc.

4. Physical Attributes of Tablets

The following essential physical attributes should be kept an eye out for in pharmaceutical tablets, according to the World Health Organization:

• The base of the medicine compartment contains little fragments of pills or upper powder.
• Tablets with cracks.
• The inclusion of precious stones on the holder’s dividers or medication tablets.
• Medications mellowing or solidifying.
• The pills’ enlargement, spots, or stains.

5. Allergies/Unexpected Side Effects

The majority of the medications have calm responses. It is crucial to see your primary care physician before use to be aware of any potential sensitivities. Inform your PCP as soon as possible if you have any unexpected or harmful effects from your medication.

6. Price

Double verify the item if the prescription is suddenly much less expensive than the regular price. The fraudulent businesses may have wanted to lure customers by offering medications at a much lower price.

7. Verify Medicines online or by SMS

The pharmaceutical industry collaborates with producers to prevent fakes. Medication bundles or strips have a scanning tag and a novel identification code inscribed. Customers can SMS a unique “Validation code” to a pharmaceutical manufacturer to receive a confirmation message confirming the legitimacy of the medication they are purchasing.

8. Vendors

Countless drug brands are flooding the pharmaceutical industry. Your chances of acquiring fake drugs are significantly reduced if you buy your medications from a reputable pharmacy or drug brand. Avoid making purchases from subpar, uninformed road vendors.

9. Details on the Drug

Check if the expiration date, batch number, and manufacturer’s location on the optional bundle match those on the mandatory bundle. To verify the validity of the pharmaceutical batch number, we may also check it online.

10. Verify the Manufacturer’s Address

Only when it comes from a reputable, international organization with a well-established framework is it plain and easy to verify the maker’s place of birth. However, this is frequently not the case since fake firms can’t have their exact location engraved on the medications. Consider whether the producer’s location is recognizable, for instance, whether it includes the company’s precise location and not just the country’s name.

What Do You Do If You Think Your Drug Is Fake?

Most essential, don’t take your suspected phoney medication. Inquire about your following actions by calling your physician and drugstore.

Also, get in touch with the pharmaceutical producer. Every medicine batch they make is documented. They will be aware if yours doesn’t match their records. Representatives from the company may also instruct you on how to get rid of fake goods properly. On the Buy Safely website, you can also search for authorized drug disposal facilities.

The business might be able to tell over the phone whether your medications are fake. It might be a lot of numbers from a known phoney product. Pharmaceutical corporations track complaints and compile information on counterfeit products. If you call in with a product that has a specific lot number, they might be able to tell you if your medications are counterfeit. Sometimes the fake product will have a lot number that is not an actual lot number.

Conclusion –

Ultimately, you can be sure your medication is genuine if you purchase your prescriptions from a reputable offline or online pharmacy. Nevertheless, learning to spot phoney drugs can protect you and your loved ones in the long term.