The only sure way to test for counterfeit drugs is through chemical analysis done in a laboratory. However, there are many elements to consider to help you identify fake drugs from genuine medicine. Interpol recommends looking for the six Ps to spot fake medical products:
• Place — only source medicines from reputable suppliers that can provide an authenticity certificate
• Prescriptions — these should always come from your doctor or healthcare professional.
• Promises — if a drug sounds too good to be true, it most likely is!
• Price — compare prices to your previous medications or other providers. If it’s significantly cheaper, it could be counterfeit.
• Privacy — the selling of fake drugs has also been linked to credit card fraud and identity theft, so check for a secure online payment system.
• Product — compare visual indicators like shape, size, taste or colour; spelling or grammatical errors on the packaging or instructions; out-of-date or missing expiry date.
Many legitimate medicines also carry QR codes, barcodes or other verification tools that can verify the authenticity of the product. However, these are relatively easy to fake.
• Place — only source medicines from reputable suppliers that can provide an authenticity certificate
• Prescriptions — these should always come from your doctor or healthcare professional.
• Promises — if a drug sounds too good to be true, it most likely is!
• Price — compare prices to your previous medications or other providers. If it’s significantly cheaper, it could be counterfeit.
• Privacy — the selling of fake drugs has also been linked to credit card fraud and identity theft, so check for a secure online payment system.
• Product — compare visual indicators like shape, size, taste or colour; spelling or grammatical errors on the packaging or instructions; out-of-date or missing expiry date.
Many legitimate medicines also carry QR codes, barcodes or other verification tools that can verify the authenticity of the product. However, these are relatively easy to fake.