Counterfeit Drug Identification Checklist
How can you differentiate legitimate pharmaceuticals from counterfeits? It’s not always easy, and some fraudulent drugs mimic legitimate ones so well that, save for running a laboratory test, it’s very difficult to tell the difference. However, there are telltale signs of counterfeit drugs that should raise a red flag if encountered. These signs include unanticipated side effects and changes in:
PackagingDoes the packaging look as though it’s been compromised? |
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LabelingIs the label on crooked? Is it different than the label the prescription drug had before? |
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Pill ShapeAre the pills cracked or chipped? |
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ColorHas the pill changed color? Does it appear a shade different from earlier prescriptions? |
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Did you experience any adverse affects? Did the drug look or taste different? In the case that you answer ‘yes,’ report it. Take action. By simply being proactive, you can make a difference in your health or the health of a loved one.
Report these incidents to your local state board of pharmacy as well as the board of pharmacy in the state where the pharmacy is located. Also contact the pharmacy that mistakenly dispensed the medication. The Verified Internet Pharmacy Site (VIPPS) is required to document, track, and analyze these types of incidents to verify problems and to prevent recurrences.
