What should a pharmacist do if they suspect a medication is counterfeit?

When a pharmacist suspects that a medication may be counterfeit, taking steps to verify its authenticity is crucial. This involves conducting due diligence to determine whether the product is genuine or not. Counterfeit medications can pose significant risks to patient safety due to the potential presence of incorrect ingredients, incorrect dosages, or harmful substances. By taking steps to verify authenticity, the pharmacist can protect patients by ensuring they are receiving legitimate pharmaceuticals.

Verification might include checking for expected physical characteristics of the medication, such as packaging, labeling, and the appearance of the tablets or capsules. The pharmacist may also utilize various resources, such as drug databases or contacting the manufacturer or wholesaler for confirmation. This proactive approach not only helps to ensure patient safety but also assists in identifying the source of potential counterfeit drugs in the healthcare supply chain.

While reporting to local authorities, consulting the manufacturer, or dispensing with caution are important actions, they come after confirming the medication's status. Verification must be the first step to ensure the pharmacist has a clear understanding of the situation.