How to identify counterfeit medicine?Image Credit source: Getty Images
From headache to pain in muscles… nowadays we take tablets, capsules or syrup for every small health problem. What will happen if these medicines which provide relief from minor to major health problems become the enemy of your health? Nowadays, not only food items are being adulterated in the market, but fake medicines are also being sold. As per the government, steps are taken regarding this and many cases are seen every day. It is important that as a customer we ourselves are careful. To ensure that medicines remain companions of your health, it is important that you keep certain things in mind while purchasing them.
If there are side effects from medicines, sometimes the situation becomes serious. There is even a risk of death. Actually, every tablet or syrup is made on a specific formula. These contain combinations of different salts and this is where the problem occurs in fake medicines. Therefore, it is very important that while buying medicines, you should also pay attention to whether the tablet or capsule you are buying is genuine or fake.
Pay attention to the spelling of the name of the medicine
To find out whether the medicine is real or fake, you should look at the packaging carefully. If you notice any difference in the spelling of the medicine written on it, then it may be a fake medicine. Apart from this, batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date should also be checked.
Consult a doctor after purchasing
If you have taken any medicine on doctor’s prescription, then after purchasing it from the medical store, you should get it verified from the doctor once again. This will not only save you from taking fake medicines, but many times wrong medicines are given at the medical examination. It will also protect you from harm caused by it.
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What is the company logo?
When you go to buy medicine in the market, you are taking the medicine of whichever company. You must check its name on the packaging. Every company has its own unique logo. You can match logos online. Apart from this, if there is a mistake in the spelling of the company’s name or if any letter is more or less, then it is possible that this medicine is fake.
scan qr code
The government has also made it mandatory to put QR codes on some top medicines. Actually its purpose is to stop fake medicines and increase transparency. If you are also buying any medicine, then scan the QR code on its packet. When you scan it with the scanner of your smartphone, details ranging from the name of the medicine to the batch come out.
Keep these things in mind also
Medicines should always be purchased from certified medical sources only. You should check whether they have a license in their store or not. Apart from this, definitely check the quality of the medicine. If after opening the packet the capsule is sticky or the tablet has become powdery, then avoid eating it. Keep in mind that the seal of the pack should not be broken. Similarly, when you are buying syrup, check its lid to ensure that it is completely sealed. If the medicine is going to expire in a few days then do not buy it.
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