Injections & vaccines
Expensive, urgently needed and impossible to inspect by eye once drawn into a syringe. Several 2026 DRAP alerts involved injectables.
- Intact flip-off cap and seal
- Clear liquid, no particles
- Kept refrigerated where required
The medicines most often faked
Counterfeiters target medicines that are expensive, in high demand or hard to inspect. Know the categories that need extra care, and the checks for each.
Antibiotics
Sold in huge volumes, so fakes blend in. Substandard antibiotics also drive antimicrobial resistance.
- Batch matches strip and carton
- Capsules uniform, not sticky
- Batch not in DRAP alerts
Cancer & specialist drugs
Very high prices make them attractive to counterfeiters. 2026 alerts included falsified Jakavi.
- Buy only via hospital or authorised distributor
- Verify serial on DRAP portal
- Compare with official label
Everyday tablets
Painkillers and common tablets are cheap to copy and rarely questioned by buyers.
- Sharp blister print
- Tablet imprint matches
- Bought from licensed pharmacy
Supplements & vitamins
Imported brands sold online at deep discounts are frequently fake or unregistered.
- Inner seal intact
- Importer sticker present
- DRAP registration/enlistment
Lifestyle medicines
Weight-loss, erectile-dysfunction and body-building products are among the most falsified worldwide.
- Avoid social-media sellers
- Prescription required
- Never buy loose tablets
Have one of these at home?
Check its batch against official alerts and compare it with the genuine product.
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers. Follow the links for the full guides.
What are the most counterfeited medicines in Pakistan?
Recent DRAP alerts have focused on injectables and vaccines (Influvac Tetra, Vaxigrip Tetra, Rhophylac, Venofer), antibiotics (Augmentin, Velosef, cefixime), specialist cancer drugs (Enhertu, Jakavi) and common brands like Brexin. See the alerts list.
Why are expensive medicines faked more often?
Higher prices mean higher profit per pack, and patients under pressure to find scarce drugs are more likely to buy from informal sellers. See also: DRAP drug alerts list.
Are cheap everyday medicines safe from counterfeiting?
No. High volume makes them attractive too. Brexin (piroxicam) was faked in two separate 2026 alerts. See also: DRAP drug alerts list.
How can I reduce my risk?
Buy from licensed pharmacies, keep receipts, check batches against DRAP alerts and inspect every pack. Follow the 5-check method.
Related guides
Spotting fakesFake Antibiotics in Pakistan: Augmentin, Velosef, Cefixime and How to Check
Why antibiotics are a top counterfeit target, which 2026 batches DRAP flagged, and the checks that matter before you start a course.
6 min read
Spotting fakesCounterfeit Cancer Medicines in Pakistan: Enhertu, Jakavi and Staying Safe
High-priced oncology drugs are prime counterfeit targets. Learn the 2026 alerts and the supply-chain checks patients and families should insist on.
5 min read
Spotting fakesHow to Spot Fake Injections, Vaccines and Insulin
Injectables are among the most frequently falsified medicines in Pakistan. Learn the vial, ampoule and cold-chain checks that matter.
6 min read
Topic hub
DRAP Alerts & Recalls
Every 2026 fake and recalled batch, and what to do if you have one.
- DRAP drug alerts list ★
- Fake medicine list 2026
- Understanding DRAP alerts
- Medicine recalls in Pakistan
- Most counterfeited medicines (this page)
- Fake antibiotics
- Fake flu vaccines 2026
- Counterfeit cancer medicines
- Fake eye drops & nasal sprays
Related topics