How to Tell If a Medicine Is Genuine

Most medicines sold in India are genuine, but counterfeit and substandard stock does circulate — usually through unlicensed sellers, not through a licensed pharmacy. Five quick checks take under a minute and catch most problems before a tablet reaches your mouth.

1. Look at the packaging first

Genuine packaging is crisp: sharp printing, straight seals, no spelling mistakes, no faded or peeling labels. Watch for a box that looks re-glued, a strip whose foil is torn and re-sealed, or a label pasted over another label. Any of these is a reason to stop and ask, not to take the medicine.

2. Match the strip to the box

The batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date on the strip should match the ones on the box. A mismatch means the strip and box came from different batches — exactly the kind of repackaging counterfeiters do. This is the same check our guide to checking a medicine’s expiry date recommends, and it matters here too.

3. Check the price and the details

Every pack carries a maximum retail price (MRP, inclusive of all taxes) and the manufacturer’s name and address. A price far below what you usually pay, a missing manufacturer address, or a brand name spelled slightly differently (“Paracetomol” instead of “Paracetamol”) are all red flags.

4. Use the security features

Many manufacturers now print a QR code or a scratch-off verification code on the pack. Scan the QR code with your phone — it should lead to the manufacturer’s own verification page and confirm the batch. If the code is missing, already scratched off, or leads nowhere, treat the pack as suspect.

5. Buy from a licensed pharmacy — and keep the bill

This is the single most effective check. A licensed pharmacy buys from authorised distributors, keeps batch records, and can trace every pack it sells. Keep your bill: it ties the medicine to the seller and is what you need if anything ever has to be reported.

What to do if something looks off

Do not take the medicine. Keep the pack and the bill, and bring both to us at Elegant Pharma in JC Nagar — we can help you check it and, if needed, point you to the right way to report it to the drug authorities. If you have already taken a suspect medicine and feel unwell, consult a doctor promptly and tell them exactly what you took.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice.