Table of contents:
- Get to know drug checks with CLICK BPOM
- Which must be checked before buying drugs at the store
- 1. Packaging
- 2. Label
- 3. Distribution license
- 4. Expired
When you need medicine, where do you usually buy medicine? Is it to the pharmacy, the shop, or the nearest shop? Currently, you can buy medicine easily, even with the application on line though. However, that does not mean you can arbitrarily use over-the-counter drugs. Make sure you have checked the drug, whether it has been declared safe or not.
However, what should be checked before taking drugs, both over-the-counter and those that are available on a limited basis? Here is the drug check technique recommended by the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
Get to know drug checks with CLICK BPOM
As a consumer, you must be smart and careful when choosing medicines. The reason is, taking the wrong medication can cause various types of dangerous side effects. Moreover, currently there are many drug manufacturers that have not been officially registered. You also need to pay attention to whether the drug you buy is really genuine from the manufacturer, not mixed with foreign ingredients by certain parties.
To ensure consumers can choose wisely, BPOM recommends a CLICK check. KLIK here stands for Packaging, Label, Distribution Permit, and Expiration. These four things must be checked before you buy drugs at a pharmacy or shop.
Which must be checked before buying drugs at the store
This KLIK drug check method can prevent you from taking fake, unofficial, or expired drugs. Check out the following guide for checking drugs, yes.
1. Packaging
The first thing to check is whether the drug packaging is still fit for sale. For example, if the box is worn out and has holes in it, it means that the medicine is not being stored in an appropriate place. Most likely the contents are already damaged and are not suitable for consumption. Also note if the packaging is faded, looks washed out, or torn. Should not be bought and consumed. This medicine may be too long.
2. Label
Always read the label of the drug you are going to buy again, even if you have repeatedly bought the same drug at the store. Each medicine should contain a label or information containing the following.
- Product name
- Composition or active ingredient (e.g. paracetamol or aluminum hydroxide)
- Drug category (eg analgesic, antihistamine, or decongestant)
- Medicinal uses (for example, relieves symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itching due to allergies, cough with phlegm, or nausea)
- Warnings for people with certain health conditions
- Drug dosage
- Other information, such as storage recommendations
3. Distribution license
Make sure the medicines you consume have a distribution permit from the Indonesian POM. Drugs that already have a license will usually include a registration number. If you are still in doubt, please download the official BPOM drug check application via a cellphone with the Android operating system. You can also check its distribution permissions on the Internet directly at this link.
4. Expired
Always look for drug expiration dates before you buy them. Remember, taking drugs that are past their expiration date carries a high risk. Apart from reduced or lost medicinal properties, drugs may undergo certain dangerous changes in chemical composition. So, if the medicine has passed its expiration date, just throw it away and don't drink it.
