Counterfeit Medicines: How to Protect Yourself from Fake Drugs
- Jared Salvador
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
When we buy medicine, we expect it to help us recover and not make things worse. But across the Philippines, counterfeit medicines have quietly entered the market, putting patients at serious risk. These fake drugs often look identical to the real thing, but what’s inside can be harmful or completely useless.
What Are Counterfeit Medicines?
Counterfeit medicines are fake versions of legitimate drugs. They are deliberately made to look real, often copying the packaging, color, and markings of trusted brands. However, they may contain the wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages, or no active ingredient at all. Some even contain dangerous substances that can cause poisoning or allergic reactions.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products are fraudulently misrepresented and unsafe for use. They are often sold in unauthorized outlets, online shops, or by unlicensed sellers who cannot guarantee product quality.
The Dangers of Fake Medicines
Fake medicines pose more risks than people realize. Since their contents are not verified, they may not treat your condition effectively, leading to delayed recovery or worsening illness.
For example, if a person takes counterfeit antibiotics, the infection might not clear up properly, allowing bacteria to develop resistance. In other cases, counterfeit painkillers or maintenance drugs might contain toxic ingredients that damage the liver, kidneys, or heart.
The World Health Organization has long warned that counterfeit medicines undermine healthcare systems and endanger lives. Even a single fake tablet can cause serious harm.
How to Spot Fake Medicines
1. Check the packaging carefully. Look for signs of tampering such as faded print, broken seals, spelling errors, or missing batch numbers. Authentic medicine packaging is printed clearly and sealed properly. If you notice that the logo, text, or barcode looks off, don’t ignore your gut feeling—ask your pharmacist to verify it.
2. Verify the FDA registration number. Every legitimate medicine in the Philippines should have an FDA registration number printed on its label. You can confirm this through the FDA Verification Portal. If the number doesn’t appear in the database, there’s a good chance it’s a counterfeit.
3. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and trusted sellers. Avoid purchasing from street vendors or unverified online shops, even if the price seems like a steal. Licensed pharmacies follow strict sourcing and storage protocols to ensure the authenticity and safety of every product.
4. Be cautious of unusually low prices. If the cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake medicines are often sold at a lower price to lure unsuspecting buyers. Always compare prices with reputable pharmacies before purchasing.
5. Pay attention to how your body responds. If you don’t feel better after taking prescribed medicine or if you experience unexpected side effects, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. Keep the packaging and receipt so that it can be checked by authorities if necessary.
The Bottom Line
Always make sure your medicines come from reliable and authorized sources. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking anything unfamiliar.
Your safety starts with trusted sources. HealthFirst Clinic’s Pharmacy offers authentic, FDA-approved medicines so you can have peace of mind with every prescription you fill. Our pharmacists are always ready to guide you on proper medication use and help you spot red flags in counterfeit products.
Visit HealthFirst Clinic’s Pharmacy today or learn more at www.healthfirst.com.ph.
Sources:
Comments