How Do You Know if Your Medicine is Fake
The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 1 out of 10 medicines in low to middle-income countries are fake. As consumers, you always want what’s tried and tested for your family and healthcare is always at the top of your list. It is important that you buy your medicines from your trusted drugstores to avoid purchasing counterfeit medications.
In Canada, Health Canda monitors the distribution of counterfeit medications, and often the news is published about the spread of these medications, especially, ED medications are very often caught in the recent past years. College of pharmacies from each province of Canada also regulates pharmacies to dispense the legitimate drugs to patients in a safe and convenient manner.
The prevalence of counterfeiting cannot be denied—from movies, clothing, music, medicine, and beauty products. The production and distribution of fake merchandise not only impacts the industry, but it can also be potentially harmful for the overall health of a nation. Both generic and branded medicines are counterfeited all over the world, most especially in parts of Africa and Southeast Asian countries.
In this article, we will tackle the dangers of consuming fake medicines and how you can avoid buying counterfeit products.
Dangers of taking fake drugs
Taking fake medicines can lead to serious health problems like drug resistance, increased morbidity, and even death. Counterfeiters may substitute the required ingredients with harmful toxins and other active components which may also result to allergic reactions and confusing adverse effects.
How to detect and avoid buying fake medicines
It may be difficult to identify if your medicine is authentic if you don’t have the proper equipment. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to determine if a product is fake is to carefully inspect its physical appearance and label information. Take note of the following guidelines:
- Look for DIN number printed on the label, and compare this information with Drug product database (DPD) on Health Canada by visiting https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp .
- Look out for misspellings on the product information leaflet (if any).
- Poor print quality on the package.
- Color of the tablet if it is unusually lighter/darker.
- Tablet/syrup tastes different.
Some counterfeiters may distribute products which are very identical to its authentic counterparts, so it’s essential that the lot/batch number is easily readable for verification purposes. visit the product websites to identify the original label of the product.
What you can do
It is of utmost importance that you only purchase your medicines from your trusted and licensed pharmacies and retailers. Never buy from unofficial sellers and online websites who may or may not be aware that they are distributing fake merchandise. Avoid purchasing your medicines from unauthorized online resellers who may try to lure you with lower prices and other promo deals. Always store your medicines in a cool, dry place or as indicated on its product leaflet to avoid potentially spoiling its active ingredients.
How to verify if your Ambicare product is authentic?
We are always here to help you with your inquiries about our products. You may send us email to info@ambicare.caor call us at our hotline at 1-800-683-9301 for product verification requests. Also, the product information including the picture, product monographs can be accessed from website www.ambicare.ca. Please have the following information on hand to proceed with the verification process:
- Lot/batch # and expiry date (You may find it stamped in the foil pack or in the box)
- Date when you bought the items
- Name of the establishment/drugstore and address where you bought the product
- Clear photos of the items (front and back).
