 |
Consumers have lots of choices for buying prescription drugs these days.
But beware – counterfeit drugs are on the rise. You might throw your
money away on ineffective drugs, or even worse, you could be harmed by
taking drugs that aren’t what they pretend to be.
-
Know your
medications.
If you know the size, shape, color, taste, and side effects of the
prescriptions you take, you will more easily identify possible
counterfeits. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you notice
anything different about a medication.
-
Pay attention to
packaging. Check for altered or unsealed containers, or changes in the packaging
or label. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you notice any
changes.
|
-
Only buy
prescription medications from a safe, reputable source.
If the seller is
unfamiliar check with your state board of pharmacy or the National
Association of Boards of Pharmacy at
www.nabp.net (click on “Who We Are” on the left and then “Boards
of Pharmacy” for a list of state boards) or call 1-847-698-6227.
These sources can tell you if the pharmacy is licensed.
-
When you buy
medications online, make sure the seller is properly licensed.
Check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association
of Boards Pharmacy at
www.nabp.net (click on “Who We Are” on the left and then “Boards
of Pharmacy” for a list of state boards) or call 847-698-6227. These
sources can tell you if the online seller is licensed. You should
check the state board of pharmacy where the online seller is
located, and your own state board of pharmacy. Some sites display a
seal, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s VIPPS
seal, as proof that the site has met state and federal requirements.
Dealing with pharmacies that display the VIPPS seal, which means
they are Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site, or other similar
certification seals, gives you more confidence that they and the
products they sell are legitimate. See a list of VIPPS-accredited
pharmacies at:
http://www.nabp.net/vipps/consumer/listall.asp
-
If you believe
you have bought a counterfeit drug, report it.
Contact the pharmacist who sold you the medication. Your pharmacist
will know if there has been a legitimate change in the color, shape,
taste or packaging of the medication. You can also report your
suspicions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you bought
the drug by mail, by telephone, or in person, contact the FDA’s
Medwatch program at 1-800-332-1088 or at
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/.
To report a counterfeit drug that you bought on the Internet, use
the online form at
http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/buyonlineform.htm or call the
Medwatch number. In addition, ask your doctor for medical advice if
you have taken drugs you suspect are counterfeit.
-
Learn how
to safely buy drugs online.
|