Verify the pharmacy’s legitimacy using online resources like your national regulatory body’s website or independent verification services. Check for licenses and proper registration details. Don’t hesitate to contact them directly with questions – legitimate pharmacies welcome verification.
Inspect the Packaging Carefully
Examine the packaging for inconsistencies. Look for blurry printing, misspellings, or differences in font style compared to genuine medication packaging. Check for tamper-evident seals; damaged or missing seals are a red flag. Compare your medication to images of genuine products found on the manufacturer’s website.
Check the Medication Itself
Observe the pills or capsules. Irregular shapes, inconsistent colors, or unusual odors should raise concerns. Discrepancies in markings, such as logos or identifying numbers, are also strong indicators of counterfeit products. If something seems off, don’t take the medication.
Purchase medications only from reputable sources. Use licensed online pharmacies or brick-and-mortar facilities. Avoid suspiciously cheap prices – significantly lower costs often signal counterfeit products. Always maintain a record of your transactions and order confirmations.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect you’ve received counterfeit medication, report it immediately to your local health authorities and the pharmacy from which you obtained it. This helps protect others and contributes to combating the trade of counterfeit drugs.
