Secretly, it turns out that many industries on a large scale deliberately produce fake drugs, of course with the aim of making a profit. To combat this, all of the governments in many different countries routinely supervise drugs distribution worldwide. Even though some countries have conducted supervision to eradicate this abusive drug circulation, a consumer you must also be smart in recognizing it. Read these following tips to find out if the medicines you buy fake or original.
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- Make sure you buy medicine at a pharmacy, not at a drug store
The drugs sold at the pharmacy are must be authentic or original. Although you just buy OTC medicines to relieve a cold cough or to get rid of dizziness, you should still buy it at the pharmacy. Do not carelessly buy drugs because it can even make your condition worse. It will also be better if you consult your doctor before taking the medicines and ask if the medicines are original.
- Pay attention to the drug packaging
Is the medicine packaging damaged? Is the drug packaging still sealed properly and there are no changes to the product packaging? You must be observant before deciding to buy medicines. Sometimes, fake drugs are sold without using packaging and do not include labels. No matter how small changes or differences in drug packaging, you must suspect it. Remember, you may not be able to distinguish between original drug and fake drug, so you have to be more careful to buy medicines without good packaging.
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- Check the drug expiration date and distribution permit
A fake drug usually includes an expiration date that can be distinguished from the original drug. For example, the printed expiration date is difficult to read, the expiration date is simply pasted or replaced with pen writing, or does not even include an expiration date. The expiration date can also be in the form of a stamp. This fake stamp may disappear easily if rubbed. In addition, you also need to check the drug distribution permit. Fake drugs usually do not have marketing authorization. Somehow, fake drugs will have a flaw compared to the original drug if observed carefully.
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- The drug quality is not as good as the original
One of the characteristics of fake drugs is that drug tablets are easily destroyed. Usually, the manufacturers of fake drugs are not concerned with quality, so drugs are made carelessly. As a result, drug tablets are fragile and easily destroyed. The quality of this drug is below the standard and most likely fake.