Tips for Avoiding Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

Another major way in which scam artists take advantage of unsuspecting seniors is through offering them counterfeit prescription drugs. As we get older, we often require more medication to help with various day-to-day activities, or to help combat mild or severe health issues. Con-artists know this and try to take advantage of the necessity of medications by offering their counterfeit drugs at a much lower price than what the elder might normally pay. Of course this can be rather enticing for someone who needs these meds and doesn’t realize that someone’s trying to take advantage of them.

So let’s see some tips to help guard against being duped into purchasing counterfeit medications:

• Always be mindful of appearance. Closely examine both the packaging and lot numbers of prescription drugs and be aware of any changes from one prescription to the next.
• Be sure and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if your prescription medication looks suspicious.
• Alert your doctor and pharmacist at once if you experience any adverse side effects from taking your medication or if your condition does not get better.
• Be sure to exercise great caution when deciding to buy drugs off of the internet. Do not purchase any drugs from unlicensed distributors or those who sell medication without a prescription. Any reputable online pharmacies will have a seal of approval known as the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS), given to them by the Association of Boards of Pharmacy in the United States.
• Also be aware that any product promotions or cost reductions, as well as other “special deals” could be associated with the promotion of a counterfeit product

As we said, medications are often a necessary part of daily living for many seniors, and scammers know this. They also know that these medicines don’t come cheap and will try to prey on any unsuspecting person who is looking to spend a little less on a much-needed medication. However, if you exercise caution, you can be sure that your medication is from a legitimate source. In doing so, you can help to ensure that you’ll be both happy and healthy, and able to live without fear that someone may be trying to take advantage of you. In the end, this is the best thing for everyone.