Health or Hoax? Smart Ways to Verify Your Medicines and Supplements

If you are a wise person, you should know that not everything that looks valuable is actually worth something and vice versa. For example, in the world of numismatics, novice collectors may think that a 1941 nickel no mint mark is an ordinary coin. However, without the proper knowledge, it is easy to draw the wrong conclusions. The same principle applies in the pharmaceutical world - only the stakes are much higher. While a counterfeit coin can cost you money, a counterfeit drug or supplement can cost you your health or even your life.

According to the WHO, more than 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are counterfeit or of poor quality and potentially dangerous. But if numismatists are able to scan a coin with Coin ID Scanner app and determine its authenticity, rarity and even market value, are there similar tools to check medicines or will you have to rely on your own knowledge alone? Today, we would like to discuss the top ways to detect fake drugs and supplements, as when it comes to health, there is no room for error.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Medications and Supplements

Fake drugs and supplements do not just waste your money, they can be lethal. The dangers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is above inefficacy, as they often contain harmful chemicals, incorrect dosages, or toxic fillers. Here’s why understanding these risks is essential:

• Lack of effectiveness – Many counterfeit medicines contain no active ingredients, i.e. they provide no treatment at all. It can be particularly dangerous for patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease (as missing doses can be life-threatening).

• Harmful substitutes – Some fakes replace expensive active ingredients with cheaper, dangerous alternatives. For example, in 2019, the FDA seized counterfeit blood pressure medications that contained industrial paint solvents instead of actual medicine.

• Toxic reactions – Counterfeit supplements can also be dangerous. According to some studies,  nearly 40% of tested weight-loss and muscle-building supplements contained unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients, and some of them can cause liver damage or cardiac arrest.

But how do these counterfeits get to market? First of all, illegal supply chains are involved. Criminal networks produce counterfeit medicines and distribute them through black markets. Counterfeit drugs often mimic the appearance of legal drugs, but contain dangerous, untested substances.

Unregulated online pharmacies are another way to distribute substandard medications. Unfortunately, this is where technology has played against and the convenience of online shopping led to a rise of fake pharmacy websites that sell counterfeit or expired medications. So in 2018, it was found out that 96% of online pharmacies do not comply with legal and safety standards. Well, weak pharmacovigilance is also a guilty party, as sometimes even legal pharmacies may unknowingly stock and sell counterfeit products.

How to Spot a Fake: Key Signs

If counterfeit drugs are so widespread, how can you tell if what you are taking is genuine? Thankfully, there are several clear warning signs that can help you identify fake medicines and supplements before they harm you.

1. Packaging and Appearance

The first step in verifying authenticity is to carefully inspect the packaging. While counterfeiters try to imitate real medicines, they often make small but noticeable mistakes. Things you should pay attention to you can find in the table below. 

Interesting Fact: In 2016, authorities recovered millions of counterfeit painkillers that contained lethal doses of fentanyl (a substance 50 times more potent than heroin). The pills looked identical to legal pills, but were deadly when consumed.

2. Security Features: Holograms, QR Codes, and Tamper-Proof Seals

Pharmaceutical companies integrate multiple security measures into their packaging to prevent counterfeiting. However, not all consumers know how to verify them properly.

So, first of all you should look for holograms and special seals. Many authentic medicines have a holographic sticker or an embossed security seal that is difficult to replicate. If this feature is missing or peels off easily, you may be dealing with a fake.

The second thing to look at in the package of pills is QR codes and barcodes. Some manufacturers provide scannable codes on their packaging. Due to scanning the code with your smartphone, you can verify the authenticity of the medicine through the manufacturer’s website.

And the final sign of authenticity is  a solid tamper-proof packaging. Almost all genuine medicines are usually sealed tightly. If the box looks resealed, has a broken seal, or contains mismatched packaging, it might be counterfeit.

Another good news for us is that the European Union and the U.S. FDA now requires serialization on most prescription drugs. It means that every legitimate drug has a unique serial number and can be tracked at any stage (from production to pharmacy shelves).

3. Composition and Physical Characteristics

Even if the packaging looks real, counterfeit medicines and supplements often fail to match the physical characteristics of genuine products. If something feels off, trust your instincts and investigate further.

Here’s what to check. Counterfeit pills can be deceivingly similar to real ones, but small details often give them away. A slight change in color, texture, or shape might be the first red flag—if your usual medication suddenly looks different, double-check with an older pill or the manufacturer’s website. 

Taste and smell can also be clues; while you shouldn’t taste medicine, fake pills may have a chalky texture, a chemical odor, or an unusually bitter taste. Even the inactive ingredients can be suspicious—counterfeits sometimes contain cheap fillers like starch or talc, making them crumble too easily or dissolve strangely in water.

One extra trick: Try the bottle test and shake the container gently. If the pills make an unusual rattling sound or seem too light, they might be counterfeit. Authentic pills are manufactured with precise density, while fakes often use cheap, inconsistent fillers.

Where to Buy and How to Stay Safe

Being aware of how to recognize counterfeit drugs and supplements is important, but prevention is even better than detection. And  where you buy your medications is just as important as how you check them, as unfortunately, with the growth of online pharmacies and third-party sellers, it can be hard to recognize legitimate sources from fake ones.

Trusted Sources: Where Should You Buy Medicines?

The best way to make sure your medication is both genuine and effective is to buy it from trusted, licensed sources. And here your safest bet is a registered pharmacy, whether it's an online store or a physical location. Licensed pharmacies (you can check whether they are listed in the U.S. FDA, the UK’s MHRA, or your country’s health authority) are required to follow strict regulations to ensure the medications they sell are safe and authentic. 

Another reliable option is hospital and clinic dispensaries. If your doctor prescribes medication, buying it directly from the hospital or clinic pharmacy is always a good idea as it significantly lowers the risk of ending up with counterfeit drugs.

If we are talking about supplements and over-the-counter products, it is better to buy from manufacturer-authorized retailers. Many well-known brands provide a list of their official distributors on their websites, so before making a purchase (especially online) double-check that the seller is an approved partner of the brand.

Red flag: If a pharmacy refuses to provide proof of authenticity (a manufacturer’s certificate or batch number) consider it a warning sign and give up buying meds there. When it comes to your health, it’s always better to be cautious.

How to Verify Online Pharmacies

The convenience of online pharmacies led to an explosion of counterfeit drugs being sold through fake websites. A 2018 study found that 96% of online pharmacies operate illegally and often sell unapproved, expired, or mislabeled drugs.

Tips to stay safe when shopping online:

1. Check certificates. Legitimate online pharmacies will display accreditation from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal.

2. Review and be sure of website security. The reliable website should have an HTTPS URL, a physical business address, and a working customer support system.

3. Read customer reviews. While reviews can be fake, a lack of any customer feedback or complaints about counterfeit products should raise some questions and doubts.

4. Avoid deals that are too good to be true. If the pills are selling for half of its usual price in another official pharmacy, it is probably fake.

Interesting Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 50% of medicines sold online from unverified sources are counterfeit or substandard.

Trust but Verify

Knowledge is power, and in the world of medications and supplements, it can be crucial to your health. While some people risk trusting questionable sources, true experts know that no detail should be overlooked, whether it be the packaging or the source of purchase. So, take a step to make a wise choice and let your health always come first.