Drug tampering

Information

Question:

How do you determine if a medicine has been tampered with?

Answer:

• Avoid medications that don't look or smell right.
• Look at the outer package and don't buy it if it is damaged.
• Make sure the lot number on the bottle matches the lot number of the box it came in.
• Carefully look at the package and seal before opening it. Take it back if there are any rips, cracks, or breaks.
• Buy your medications from reputable pharmacies.

References

US Food and Drug Administration. Buying prescription medicine online: A consumer safety guide. Updated August 14, 2008. Accessed March 14, 2009.

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s tips for taking medicines. Updated July 2001. Accessed March 14, 2009.