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How do you know when you've purchased a counterfeit product?

Consumers may not know that the medicines they've purchased are counterfeit. That's why it's important to purchase prescription products from a registered pharmacy and pharmacist with whom you're familiar.

In some cases, patients may have noticed a different taste, consistency, or appearance of products that are later identified as being counterfeit, or they may have a different reaction to the counterfeit medicine.

What are the dangers of taking counterfeit products?

One of the biggest concerns is that you may not be getting the therapeutic benefit you expect from the product. For example, a medicine you count on to lower your cholesterol level - or to shrink a cancerous tumour - may not be providing any benefit at all because it's counterfeit. Or the product may contain too much active ingredient, which also could be harmful. A fake medicine also could interact with other medications you're taking and create potential health issues.

Counterfeit products may be manufactured in substandard environments, without appropriate controls that ensure their safety and efficacy and they could contain dangerous contaminants.

Counterfeit products undermine the basic tenet of our health care system; to enable people to live healthier, happier lives.

How can you avoid buying counterfeit products?

The best way to avoid counterfeit medicines is to purchase prescription medicines at your local pharmacy from a reputable pharmacist whom you know. Don't buy medications from online pharmacies that aren't licensed in your country or that offer to write prescriptions or sell medications without prescriptions.

Where available, ask for the product in the manufacturer's original package.

Closely scrutinize the appearance of your medicine and its packaging. Talk to your pharmacist if you notice anything unusual or if you have a different reaction to your medicine.