It’s a sad truth today that even regular consumers are not able to differentiate fake medications from the real ones.   What’s worse? Even medical professionals are unable to spot the difference easily or check the authenticity of medicines, at least not without a chemical analysis.

An overwhelming amount of manufacturers have succeeded in copying almost every physical aspect of the medication to make it seem like it is the most genuine. Packaging, tablet shape, vial shape and size and colouring these aspects can be and have been copied.

As a consumer, here are things you can do to ensure the authenticity of your medicines:

• The most basic thing you should check is the seal. If you find that the seal is broken or has been tampered it, do not buy it. Make sure you buy medicine in which their seal is intact.
• Checking the packaging can also give you an idea regarding the authenticity of the medicine. The font, logo, colour and spelling of the name can be clear indicators of a fake package.
• Price is another answer to the question of ”how to check medicine authenticity”. If there is a sudden fall in the price of any medicine, there is a high chance that it is a fake one.
• After consumption, if you experience unexpected allergies or side effects, immediately stop using it and consult with your doctor. You might have been using a fake drug all this while.
• You can also verify the authenticity by sending the unique code behind the bottle or package to the Drug Technical Advisory Board’s (DTAB) number via SMS. They should respond with an authentication message from the medicine’s manufacturer.
• Check the authenticity of medicine. If your red pill suddenly got a number stamped in the middle where there was none previously, make sure to check it out with your doctor and pharmacist first before consuming it.
• Take note of the medications’ effectiveness when compared to the previous times you have consumed it
• Try and procure medications only from trusted sources. Don’t fall prey to scams on the internet that offer medication without a prescription and/or very low prices. We at PharmEasy only deliver medicines on orders with valid prescriptions
• Be cautious of relatively cheap drugs. Medications are manufactured in comparatively the same manner; hence, changes in the pricing of one brand could greatly affect all other pharmaceutical companies. Obviously, this isn’t something a medication brand will do out of the blue.

While the above guidelines can go a long way in reducing the risk of buying counterfeit medication, remember that the only definite way to know if your medicine is original or not is through chemical analysis.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is now considering the introduction of a barcode system to check the authenticity of medicines that are imported into the country as well as manufactured here in India. If implemented, this system can keep at bay all types of counterfeit and fake medicines.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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