In a world where the demand for affordable medications is on the rise, counterfeiters have found an opportunity to infiltrate the pharmaceutical market. Unsuspecting consumers, desperate for relief from their ailments, may unknowingly purchase and take counterfeit drugs—putting their health and well-being at risk. The Ozempic injury lawsuit attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC are prepared to assist if counterfeit medications have harmed you.
Through careful observation and advanced technology, experts are working tirelessly to identify and combat the spread of these dangerous products. Here are a few tactics used to discover counterfeit medications and hold their creators accountable.
Signs That a Medication Is Fake
While counterfeiters go to great lengths to make their products appear authentic, several telltale signs can indicate a medication is fake:
- Unusual Packaging: Counterfeit medications often have packaging that differs from the genuine product. Look for inconsistencies in the design, color, or quality of the packaging, such as misspellings, low-quality printing, or missing batch numbers and expiration dates.
- Suspicious Pricing: Counterfeiters often sell their products at significantly lower prices to entice consumers. If a medication is being sold at a price that seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Unusual Appearance: Genuine medications have a consistent appearance in terms of size, shape, and color. If a pill or capsule looks different from what you’re used to, it may be a counterfeit.
How to Identify If a Pharmacy Is Reliable
When purchasing medications, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re obtaining them from a reliable and legitimate source. While some pharmacies are not reliable, there are ways that you can determine if it is trustworthy.
One of the first steps in identifying a reliable pharmacy is to verify their license and accreditation. Every legitimate pharmacy must be licensed by the state in which they operate. You can check the pharmacy’s license status through your state’s board of pharmacy website.
When evaluating an online pharmacy, pay close attention to their website and contact information. A reliable pharmacy will have a professional-looking website with clear and detailed information about its products, services, and policies. The pharmacy should also provide a physical address and contact information, including a phone number and email address. Be cautious of online pharmacies that lack this basic information or seem to be operating from a foreign country.
How Investigators Assess Whether a Drug Is Fake
Investigators employ advanced technology and specialized techniques to determine whether a drug is counterfeit. For example, a videometer analyzes the color spectrum of the packaging to detect anomalies. With this tool, investigators can identify inconsistencies that may not be visible to the naked eye.
For more in-depth analysis, investigators may use infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. These techniques help determine the formula of counterfeit tablets and identify the presence of unusual or harmful ingredients. These techniques are often used as evidence in courtroom proceedings.
What to Do If You Believe a Drug Is Counterfeit
If you suspect that a medication you have purchased is counterfeit, it’s essential to take immediate action. First, report the drug to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Then, contact a defective drug lawyer to discuss your legal options.
An attorney can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Schedule a free legal consultation as soon as possible and take your first steps toward justice.