Warning signs on packaging
These signs do not prove a medicine is fake, but each one is a reason to pause and ask a pharmacist:
- Blurry, faded or smudged printing; misspelled brand or company names.
- Missing or altered batch number, manufacturing date, or expiry date.
- Missing Urdu labeling required on retail packs sold in Pakistan.
- Broken seals, re-glued flaps, or a blister tray that does not sit properly in the box.
- Tablets or capsules that differ in color, size, smell or markings from your previous pack.
- A price far below the printed maximum retail price — heavy unexplained discounts are a known red flag.
Reading the pack
- B.No / Batch / Lot — the production batch identifier. Used in DRAP alert notices.
- Mfg — manufacturing date. Exp — expiry date; do not use the medicine after the end of that month.
- Reg. No. — the DRAP registration number of the product (not of your individual pack).
- M.R.P. — maximum retail price. A pharmacy should not charge more.
- 2D code — newer packs carry a DataMatrix/QR code for the official track-and-trace check.
Buying safely
- Buy from licensed pharmacies and keep your receipt.
- Be careful with medicines offered loose (out of their original pack).
- Buying medicine from unverified online sellers or social media is risky; prefer established licensed pharmacies.
- Check the expiry date before paying, especially on discounted stock.
If you suspect a counterfeit
- Stop taking the medicine, but do not change or stop a prescribed treatment without talking to your doctor or pharmacist — ask them for a safe replacement.
- Keep the pack, remaining medicine and receipt as evidence.
- Check the batch number on our verification page and on the official DRAP portal.
- Report it: DRAP toll-free 0800-03727 (Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00) or dra.gov.pk/complaints.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a medicine's details do not match?
Stop using it, keep the pack and the purchase receipt, and take it to a licensed pharmacist. Report it to DRAP on 0800-03727 or at dra.gov.pk/complaints, naming the pharmacy where you bought it.
How should I store medicines at home?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. Most medicines keep best in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — not in a bathroom or a hot car. Some, like insulin, need refrigeration.
This guide is general educational information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions or recommend treatments. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your medicines.
