How to identify fake drugs? : function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Surely you often buy drugs, ranging from drugs for minor ailments to drugs for serious illnesses. But, is the quality of the medicine you buy guaranteed? Every time you buy a drug, do you always check the authenticity of the drug? Be careful, nowadays there are many counterfeit drugs circulating.

Is that a fake medicine?

Before discussing what are the characteristics of counterfeit drugs, you should first understand what is called fake medicine. In fact, this drug can be very similar to the original medicine, but has certainly different qualities.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), counterfeit drugs are drugs that are sold under a product name, but do not have a clear license. This can apply to brand names as well as generic products, where the identity of the source is misinterpreted in a way to suggest that the drug is the original approved product.

Some of the aspects that can be called fake medicine are:

• Medicines that do not contain active ingredients
• Medicines with active ingredients, but in low amounts or in very excessive amounts
• Drugs with different or inappropriate active ingredients
• Medicine with fake packaging

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How do you identify the characteristics of counterfeit drugs?

Secretly, it turns out that many industries on a large scale deliberately produce counterfeit drugs, of course with the aim of making a profit. To eradicate this, BPOM routinely monitors drugs circulating in Indonesia. Even though BPOM has carried out supervision to eradicate the circulation of these fake drugs, you as a consumer must also be smart in recognizing them.

Here are some tips for spotting counterfeit drugs:

1. Make sure you buy your medicine at a pharmacy, not a drug store

The authenticity of the drugs sold in pharmacies is guaranteed. Even though the medicine you buy includes mild medicines to relieve a cold cough or to relieve dizziness, you should still buy it at a pharmacy. Don't buy drugs carelessly.

2. Pay attention to the medicine packaging

Has the medicine package been damaged? Is the medicine packaging still well sealed and there are no changes to the product packaging? You must be observant before deciding to buy the drug. Sometimes, counterfeit drugs are sold without the use of packaging and do not include a label. The slightest change or difference to the drug packaging, you should suspect it. Remember, counterfeit drugs can be very similar to real drugs.

3. Check the drug expiration date and distribution permit

Counterfeit drugs usually include 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 only affixed or replaced with pen writing, or does not even include the expiration date. The expiration date can also be in the form of a stamp. This fake stamp can easily dislodge the ink if wiped. In addition, also check the drug distribution license. Counterfeit drugs usually also do not have a distribution license. However, counterfeit drugs can have flaws compared to real drugs if paid close attention.

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4. Tablets are easily crushed

As quoted from the health.detik.com page, according to the former Director of Supervision of the Distribution of Therapeutic Products and Household Health Supplies BPOM, Drs. Roland Hutapea, MSc., Apt., One of the characteristics of counterfeit drugs is that drug tablets are easily destroyed. Usually counterfeit drug manufacturers do not place importance on quality, so drugs are made carelessly. As a result, the medicinal tablets were brittle and crumbled easily. The quality of this drug is substandard and most likely a fake.

If you find one of the characteristics of this counterfeit drug, you should give up your intention of buying it and immediately report this to the POM.

When buying medicine, you should remember these 5 things:

• The original drug is produced by the pharmaceutical industry with a clear address
• Have a distribution license number
• Has an expiration date (expired date) clear
• Have a batch number and other product identities
• Obtained from authorized drug sellers, such as pharmacies, hospitals or health centers, licensed drug stores for limited or free drugs

What are the risks of taking counterfeit drugs?

Taking counterfeit drugs has its own risks. The quality of the medicine that is not the same as the original drug or maybe the drug has expired causes people who take the fake drug to suffer losses. Although the price may be cheaper than the original drug, fake drugs can have a negative impact on health, as reported by the BPOM, namely:

• Counterfeit drugs can cause problems with the stomach, blood flow, liver, and kidneys. In addition, fake drugs can also cause allergic reactions to drugs, as well as germ resistance.
• People who take counterfeit drugs can make their illness worse and can even cause death.

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