3 hrs ago

Fake Medicines Raise Serious Risks Beyond Expiry Dates

Fake medicines may look like real medicines but can be dangerous.

They might have the wrong ingredient or the wrong amount of medicine.

They could also contain harmful germs if they were made in dirty places.

This can make people sicker instead of helping them get better.

Look for spelling mistakes, blurry printing, damaged seals or unusual colours and smells.

Check the medicine’s name, strength, manufacturer, batch number and expiry date.

Buy medicines from trusted pharmacies and follow a doctor’s prescription.

If a medicine seems unsafe, stop and ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking more.

Keep the package and receipt so the product can be checked.

Key facts

Main danger: Medicines may contain the wrong ingredient, too little or too much active ingredient, harmful substances or biological contaminants.
Possible outcomes: Risks include treatment failure, prolonged illness, adverse reactions, toxicity, drug resistance and life-threatening complications.
Packaging red flags: Spelling errors, poor printing, unusual fonts or colours, damaged seals, altered dates and mismatches between cartons and blister packs.
Medicine red flags: Discolouration, cracks, swelling, visible particles, precipitate, leakage or an unusual smell.
Details to verify: Name, strength, dosage form, manufacturer, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date and MRP.
Consumer action: Buy from legitimate sources, follow prescriptions and seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if the product seems suspicious.
Reported seizure: Authorities in Haryana seized more than 260 suspected counterfeit Mounjaro pens near Delhi in April 2026.

deccanchronicle.com · 4 hrs ago