SAFETY TIPS

What you can do about counterfeit drugs

Watch What You Take
•  Be familiar with your medicine. Examine its shape, color, and size.
•  If your medicine is in pill, capsule, or tablet form, put it in the palm of your hand and examine it under a light before taking it.
•  Look for altered or unsealed packaging, or changes in design.
•  Make sure the packaging is pristine and has no sticky residue, which can indicate the drug has been previously dispensed.

Observe Your Symptoms
•  Be aware of new or unusual side effects.
•  Be concerned if your medicine stops being effective.
•  Be suspicious if an injectable drug stings or causes a rash.

More Safety Tips

For the latest information on drug safety, visit:

The Partnership for Safe Medicines
Register with the Partnership's SafeMeds Alert System to receive email updates on counterfeits.

The FDA's Counterfeit Drug Page with consumer information.

Medwatch, the FDA's reporting system for suspected counterfeits.