Buying Medicine? 5 Important Things You Must Check Before You Buy
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises consumers to obtain medicines from trusted and licensed sources and to carefully examine packaging, manufacturing and expiry dates, and the physical appearance of medicines. WHO also reports that substandard and falsified medical products affect countries around the world.
Whether you are buying tablets, capsules, syrups, creams, injections, eye drops, vitamins, or other medical products, taking a few moments to check the product can be an important part of medicine safety.
Here are 5 important things you should check before buying medicine.
1. Buy Medicine From a Trusted and Licensed Source
The first and most important step is to consider where you are buying the medicine from.
Whenever possible, purchase medicines from a licensed and reputable pharmacy, hospital, clinic, or other authorized medicine outlet.
Why does the source matter?
Because medicines obtained through unknown or unauthorized sellers may have a higher risk of being:
- Falsified
- Substandard
- Expired
- Improperly stored
- Incorrectly labeled
- Contaminated
- Different from the product you intended to purchase
WHO specifically recommends obtaining medicines from known and reliable sources and warns consumers about unregistered websites and informal sources.
Be especially careful when buying medicine online
Online pharmacies can be convenient, but not every website selling medicines is trustworthy.
Be cautious if a website:
- Sells prescription medicines without requiring a prescription where one is legally required
- Does not provide clear contact or business information
- Offers medicines at unusually low prices
- Makes extraordinary claims about a medicine
- Does not provide information about the medicine's manufacturer
- Sends medicines in damaged or suspicious packaging
- Cannot provide access to a qualified pharmacist or appropriate professional support
The U.S. FDA also warns that some unsafe online pharmacies may sell counterfeit, expired, unapproved, or otherwise unsafe medicines.
A very cheap price is not always a good deal
If a medicine is being offered at a price that seems unusually low compared with reliable sources, don't immediately assume that you are getting a great bargain.
An unusually low price can sometimes be a warning sign, particularly when combined with other suspicious features such as poor packaging, unknown sellers, or missing product information. WHO specifically lists suspiciously low prices among warning signs consumers should be aware of when buying medicines online.
Remember: Saving money is important, but medicine safety should come first.
2. Check the Medicine Name, Strength and Label Carefully
Before paying for a medicine, take a moment to make sure you have received the correct product.
Many medicines have similar-looking or similar-sounding names. Some medicines are available in different strengths.
For example, a medicine may be available as:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
The difference in strength can be clinically important.
Check these details:
Medicine name:
Is it the medicine that was prescribed or requested?
Strength:
Does the strength match the prescription or healthcare professional's instructions?
Dosage form:
Is it a tablet, capsule, syrup, cream, injection, eye drop, or another form?
Quantity:
Did you receive the correct number of tablets, capsules, or volume?
Manufacturer:
Is the manufacturer clearly identified?
Instructions:
Are the directions and important warnings present?
For many over-the-counter medicines, the product label contains important information about the active ingredient, strength, purpose, warnings, directions, storage and other details. The FDA advises consumers to read medicine labels carefully and ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional if they have questions.
Do not rely only on the brand name
If you are unsure whether you received the correct medicine, ask the pharmacist to explain the active ingredient and strength.
This is particularly important when buying medicines for:
- Children
- Older adults
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- People taking multiple medicines
- People with allergies
- People with chronic health conditions
A small difference on the package can sometimes represent a completely different product.
3. Check the Expiry Date, Batch Number and Packaging
This is one of the most important checks you can perform before purchasing medicine.
Check the expiry date
Always look for the expiry date before buying a medicine.
The expiry date represents the period during which the medicine is expected to maintain its required strength, quality and purity when stored according to the labeled conditions.
Do not knowingly purchase or use an expired medicine.
Also, don't simply look at the date on the outside of the box.
If the medicine has an inner package—such as a blister strip, bottle, tube or vial—compare the relevant information between the outer and inner packaging.
WHO recommends checking manufacturing and expiry dates and verifying that details on the outer package correspond with those on the inner packaging.
Check the batch or lot number
The batch or lot number helps identify a particular production batch.
Check whether the batch information appears consistent between the outer and inner packaging when applicable.
A missing, altered, or inconsistent batch number can be a reason to ask questions before purchasing the product.
Inspect the packaging
Look carefully at the box, bottle, blister, tube, or other container.
Watch for:
- Torn packaging
- Broken seals
- Damaged boxes
- Missing labels
- Poor printing
- Spelling or grammatical errors
- Altered dates
- Unclear manufacturer information
- Different information on inner and outer packaging
- Signs that the package has been opened or tampered with
WHO identifies damaged packaging, spelling errors, altered dates and inconsistencies between inner and outer packaging as possible warning signs of substandard or falsified medical products.
Important point
A suspicious package does not automatically prove that a medicine is fake. Some genuine products can have packaging variations.
However, if something looks unusual, don't ignore it. Ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before using the medicine.
4. Look at the Medicine and Consider How It Was Stored
Even if the expiry date is valid, you should look at the medicine itself.
WHO recommends checking whether a medicine appears normal and whether there are signs of discoloration, degradation or an unusual smell.
Depending on the dosage form, look for unusual changes such as:
- Unexpected discoloration
- Strange smell
- Crumbling tablets
- Unusual spots
- Damaged capsules
- Leaking bottles
- Broken seals
- Separation or unusual changes in liquids
- Damaged creams or ointments
- Unusual changes in texture
If a medicine looks different from what you normally receive, do not automatically assume that it is safe to use.
Ask the pharmacist or healthcare professional about it.
Storage Conditions Also Matter
Many people check the expiry date but forget about storage conditions.
Medicines may need to be protected from:
- Excessive heat
- Moisture
- Direct sunlight
- Freezing
- Improper temperature
The exact storage requirement depends on the medicine.
For example, some products may require controlled refrigeration, while others should be stored at room temperature.
A medicine that has been improperly stored may not maintain its expected quality even if the printed expiry date has not passed.
The FDA notes that medicines obtained from unsafe sources may also have been stored improperly, including in conditions without appropriate temperature controls.
After buying medicine
Don't leave medicines in places such as:
- Inside a hot car
- In direct sunlight
- Near a stove
- In a damp bathroom
- In places accessible to young children
Always follow the storage instructions on the product label or package insert.
5. Check Whether You Actually Need the Medicine and Whether It Is Safe for You
The final and perhaps most important question is:
“Is this medicine appropriate for me?”
A medicine that is safe for one person may not necessarily be appropriate for another.
Before taking a medicine, consider factors such as:
- Your age
- Existing health conditions
- Allergies
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Other medicines you take
- Other supplements or herbal products you use
- Previous reactions to medicines
For prescription medicines, follow the prescription and professional advice.
For over-the-counter medicines, read the label carefully and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure.
Be Careful With Antibiotics
Antibiotics deserve special attention.
Antibiotics are used to treat certain bacterial infections, but they do not treat viral infections such as most common colds and influenza.
Do not buy or start an antibiotic simply because you have:
- A cold
- A cough
- Fever
- A sore throat
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the illness.
Unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which is a major global health concern.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed for you, take it according to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
What About Generic Medicines?
Many people become confused when they see different brands containing the same active ingredient.
A generic medicine can contain the same active ingredient as a corresponding brand-name medicine, but products can differ in manufacturer, appearance, inactive ingredients, packaging and other characteristics.
If you are unsure whether a generic product is appropriate for you, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Do not choose a medicine solely because its packaging looks familiar or because someone else uses it.
What If the Medicine Looks Suspicious?
If you suspect that a medicine may be falsified, contaminated, damaged or otherwise unsafe:
Do not ignore the warning signs.
You can:
- Stop and avoid using the suspicious product until you receive appropriate professional advice.
- Keep the packaging and medicine available for identification.
- Speak with a pharmacist, doctor, or other qualified healthcare professional.
- Keep the receipt or purchase information if available.
- Contact the relevant national medicines regulatory authority when appropriate.
WHO advises consumers who suspect a substandard or falsified medical product to discuss it with a pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional and report concerns to the appropriate national medicines regulatory authority.
Buying Medicine Online? Check These Extra Things
Online medicine purchases require additional caution.
Before ordering, ask yourself:
Is the seller legitimate?
Look for clear information about the pharmacy or seller.
Does the pharmacy operate legally?
Regulatory requirements vary between countries, so check the relevant national or local licensing system when available.
Does the website require a prescription when appropriate?
A website offering prescription-only medicines without appropriate professional oversight can be a warning sign.
Is the price suspiciously low?
Extremely low prices can be a warning sign, particularly when combined with other concerns.
Does the package arrive intact?
When your medicine arrives, check:
- Medicine name
- Strength
- Quantity
- Expiry date
- Batch/lot information
- Packaging
- Seal
- Appearance
- Patient information leaflet, when applicable
WHO recommends checking these details for medicines purchased online.
🚨 5-Point Medicine Safety Checklist
Before you buy medicine, remember:
✅ 1. SOURCE
Buy from a trusted and authorized source.
✅ 2. PRODUCT
Check the medicine name, active ingredient, strength and dosage form.
✅ 3. DATE & PACKAGING
Check expiry date, batch/lot information, seals and packaging condition.
✅ 4. APPEARANCE & STORAGE
Check for unusual color, smell, damage or other changes and consider storage conditions.
✅ 5. YOUR HEALTH
Make sure the medicine is appropriate for you and ask a healthcare professional when unsure.
10 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Be extra cautious if you notice:
- ❌ Expired medicine
- ❌ Broken or damaged packaging
- ❌ Missing or unclear manufacturer information
- ❌ Spelling or printing errors on packaging
- ❌ Different batch or expiry information between packages
- ❌ Unusual color, smell or appearance
- ❌ Missing safety information or instructions
- ❌ Suspiciously low price
- ❌ An unknown or untrustworthy seller
- ❌ A medicine that looks completely different from what you normally receive
These signs do not by themselves prove that a medicine is falsified, but they should prompt you to stop and seek professional advice. WHO identifies several of these features as warning signs that consumers should pay attention to.
Why This Matters to Everyone
Substandard and falsified medicines are not only a problem for one country or one community.
WHO states that these products affect people around the world. They can contain the wrong ingredient, the wrong amount of an active ingredient, or other harmful substances, and they may fail to treat the condition for which they were intended.
Poor-quality medicines can also contribute to treatment failure, unnecessary health expenses and, in some situations, antimicrobial resistance.
That is why medicine safety begins before you take the first dose.
Final Thoughts
Buying medicine should never be treated like buying an ordinary product.
Before you pay, take a few seconds to check:
Where are you buying it from?
Is it the correct medicine and strength?
Is the expiry date valid?
Is the packaging intact?
Does the medicine look normal?
Has it been stored appropriately?
Is it suitable for you?
If something doesn't look right, don't take a chance. Ask a qualified pharmacist or healthcare professional.
💊 Remember:
Check before you buy. Check before you take. Your medicine safety matters.
A few seconds of checking can help you avoid unnecessary problems and make safer decisions about medicines.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general health education and awareness. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Do not start, stop, or change prescription medicines without appropriate medical advice. If you are unsure about a medicine, its safety, dose, interactions, storage, or suitability for you, consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist.
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