Avoid Counterfeit Drug Scams

Counterfeit Drug Identification Checklist

How can you tell the difference between a legitimate drug and a counterfeit drug? It’s not always easy, and some counterfeit drugs mimic legitimate ones so well that, without 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. These signs include unanticipated side effects and changes in:

Packaging

Does the packaging look as though it’s been compromised?

 

Viagra counterfeit example

Labeling

Is the label on crooked? Is it different than the label the prescription drug had before?

 

label pic

 

 

Pill Shape

Are the pills cracked or chipped?

 

pill shape pic

 

 

Color

Has the pill color changed? Does it appear a shade different from earlier prescriptions?

 

Color of pill

 

 

Did you experience any adverse effects? Did the drug look or taste different? If you answer “yes,” report it. Take action. By being proactive, you can make a difference in your health or the health of a loved one.

Report these incidents to NABP or to your local state board of pharmacy and the board of pharmacy in the state where the pharmacy is located. Also contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medication. Pharmacies that are accredited through the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program are required to document, track, and analyze these types of incidents to verify problems and to prevent recurrences.

 
  National Association of Boards of Pharmacy®
  1600 Feehanville Drive • Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Tel: 847/391-4406 Fax: 847/391-4502
  Carmen A. Catizone, MS, RPh, DPh, Executive Director/Secretary

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This web page was last updated 11/20/2009 17:10:23