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Label literacy

How to read a medicine label: every field on a Pakistani carton

A medicine carton packs a lot of information into a small space. Knowing what each field means helps you take medicines correctly and makes it much easier to spot a fake, because counterfeiters often get the small print wrong.

Inspect a packSee the steps ↓
Hands turning a medicine carton to read the side panel with a magnifying glass
Table of contents8 sections

Quick answer

A Pakistani medicine label shows the brand and generic name, strength and dosage form, DRAP registration number (Reg. No), batch (B.No), manufacturing and expiry dates, maximum retail price, storage conditions, manufacturer name and address, and warnings (often in Urdu). Serialised packs add a 2D DataMatrix with GTIN and serial. Spelling mistakes, missing Reg. No or mismatched batch details are red flags.

DRAP approval number
Reg. No
Batch / lot
B.No
Use-before date
Exp
Maximum retail price
MRP

Field by field

What every part of the label tells you

Hold the carton and work around it. Most of these fields appear on the front, side panels and end flaps. For batch and dates specifically, see reading batch numbers and expiry.

01

Brand & generic name

The brand (e.g. a trade name) and the generic active ingredient. Check the generic matches what your doctor prescribed.

02

Strength & form

e.g. 500 mg tablet, 250 mg/5 ml suspension. Same brand can come in several strengths.

03

Reg. No (DRAP)

The registration number proving the product is authorised in Pakistan. Check it.

04

Batch, Mfg & Exp

Production run and dates. Must match on the carton, strip and 2D code. Check the batch.

05

MRP

Maximum retail price. Paying far less than MRP for an expensive brand is a red flag.

06

2D code & GTIN

On serialised packs: product code, serial, batch and expiry. Decode it or read about GTINs.

Step by step

A 2-minute label check

  1. 1

    Confirm it's the right medicine

    Generic name and strength match the prescription. Ask the pharmacist if the brand differs.

  2. 2

    Find Reg. No and batch

    Both present and clearly printed (not a sticker over other text). Note the batch for an alert check.

  3. 3

    Check the dates

    Exp is in the future and long enough for your course; Mfg is before Exp. Dates match on strip and carton.

  4. 4

    Read storage and warnings

    Follow storage instructions (see storage temperatures) and read any Urdu warnings and the leaflet.

Close inspection of a medicine carton's small print

Label errors that reveal counterfeits

Genuine manufacturers print labels on validated, high-precision lines and check them carefully. Counterfeiters work fast and cheap. Look closely for these errors:

  • Spelling mistakes in the brand, ingredient or manufacturer's name.
  • Missing or oddly formatted Reg. No, or a Reg. No printed on a sticker.
  • Batch or expiry that differs between carton, strip and 2D code.
  • Blurred, uneven or smudged print; colours that differ from your usual pack.
  • Manufacturer address that's incomplete or doesn't match previous packs.
  • Leaflet missing, photocopied or for a different product.
Pharmacist explaining a medicine to a customer

Urdu warnings and the leaflet

Pakistani packs commonly include key warnings and instructions in Urdu as well as English: dosage, 'keep out of reach of children', and storage. The patient information leaflet inside has the full detail: uses, dose, side effects and interactions.

If you can't read the label comfortably, ask your pharmacist to go through it with you. That's part of their job and a good pharmacist will be glad to help, especially for older relatives on several medicines.

Medicine label fields at a glance

Where to find each field and why it matters.

FieldUsually foundWhy it matters
Brand / genericFront panelRight medicine
Strength & formFront panelRight dose
Reg. NoSide or back panelAuthorised in Pakistan
B.No / Mfg / ExpEnd flap, strip edgeAlerts, recalls, freshness
MRPSide panel / end flapFair price; too cheap = risk
StorageSide panelKeeps it effective
2D codeSide panelPack-level verification

Important

Compare with a pack you trust

The quickest way to spot a fake label is side-by-side with a pack from a reliable pharmacy: fonts, colours, layout and code positions should match. Then run the full 5-check method.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers about how to read medicine label.

What does Reg. No mean on medicine?

It's the DRAP registration number showing the product is authorised for sale in Pakistan. See checking a registration number.

What is B.No on a medicine box?

The batch number, identifying the production run. Use it to check DRAP alerts.

What is MRP on medicine in Pakistan?

Maximum retail price, the highest price the medicine can legally be sold for. See also: Batch number & expiry.

Where is the expiry date on medicine?

Usually on the carton end flap and the edge of the strip, labelled Exp, often as MM/YYYY. See also: Batch number & expiry.

Is a medicine without a Reg. No fake?

Not necessarily fake, but it may be unregistered or smuggled. Don't use it without advice from a pharmacist. See smuggled medicines.

Sources & references

Updated 11 November 2026. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.

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More verification resources

Drug Track and Trace Portal →drugtrace.dra.gov.pk →Check Batch Number Online →Medicine QR Code Scanner →Original Medicine Check App →DRAP Helpline Number →GTIN Number Check →Medicine Recall Pakistan →Pharmacy License Check →Counterfeit Drugs in Pakistan →Medicine Storage Temperature →Drug Testing Laboratory Pakistan →Report Side Effects →Smuggled Medicines Pakistan →Mehfooz Dawa →Mehfooz Dawa Check →Dawa Check →