How to Spot and Avoid Counterfeit Medicine

Fake medicine is more common than you might think and can be dangerous. If a pill has the wrong ingredients, the dose is off, or it’s contaminated, it can cause harm or fail to treat the condition. Here are clear, practical steps you can use right now to check your medicines and make safer choices when buying online or in person.

Top red flags of fake medicine

Look at the packaging first. Torn seals, misspelled words, blurry logos, or different fonts are strong warning signs. Compare the box and leaflet to a photo from the manufacturer’s official site. If the leaflet is missing, low-quality, or printed on thin paper, be suspicious.

Check the pill itself. Differences in color, size, shape, or imprint compared with a trusted reference mean trouble. Use online pill identifier tools or ask your pharmacist to compare imprints, scores, and markings. If the tablet crumbles easily or smells odd, don’t take it.

Watch the price. If the deal is much cheaper than usual, that’s a common trick to move fakes. Also avoid sites that don’t require a prescription for Rx medicines, ship from unknown countries, or push bulk discounts without proof of a licensed pharmacy.

Verify the seller. In the U.S. look for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or check the state board of pharmacy. In the UK, use the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register and the NHS-approved pharmacy list. Many countries have pharmacy regulator listings online—use them before you buy.

What to do if you suspect a counterfeit

Stop using the medicine and keep the packaging, leaflet, and any remaining pills. Take photos of the box, tablet, batch number, and expiry date. Contact the place you bought it and ask for a refund and proof of where they sourced it.

Report the product. In the U.S. report to FDA MedWatch; in the UK use the MHRA Yellow Card scheme; globally, WHO and local health authorities accept reports. Reporting helps regulators track dangerous batches and protect others.

If you already took the suspected medicine and feel unwell, contact your doctor or local emergency number immediately. For antibiotics or antivirals, incorrect dosing can lead to treatment failure or resistance—so seek medical advice rather than waiting.

Quick checklist before you buy: buy from licensed pharmacies, require a prescription for Rx drugs, verify pharmacy registration, inspect packaging and pill markings, and avoid deals that look too good to be true. Small checks now can prevent big problems later.

Need help checking a product? Take clear photos and ask your pharmacist or doctor. They can often tell you if something looks off and guide the next steps. Staying cautious protects your health—and your wallet.