3 Ways To Avoid Fake Drugs Circulating In The Market

JAKARTA - Drugs are very much needed for public health. However, the threat of counterfeit drug trafficking continues to increase and is very worrying, because its use can have a negative impact on body health.

However, there is no need to worry because there are several ways that can be done to avoid the purchase or use of counterfeit drugs. This method was revealed by Pharmacist Rupa Lesti and Chief Category Officer of Pharmacy Alrpo.

1. Make sure to buy medicine at the pharmacy

In order to avoid counterfeit drugs, the first thing that can be done is to buy medicine at a pharmacy and have a pharmacist who practices it. Also make sure the pharmacy still has an active operational permit and its pharmacist has a Pharmacist Registration Certificate (STRA) and a valid Pharmacist Practice Permit (SIPA).

"Make sure to buy medicine at a pharmacy, this is non-negotiable. Also see the practice board in the pharmacy. So there are usually two boards, first for the pharmacist, then the board for the pharmacy. This is also recommended by BPOM," said Rupa Lesti at the opening of the Alpro pharmacy in the Bintaro area, South Jakarta, on Friday, December 6, 2024.

In this case, one of the pharmacies that can be trusted is the Alpro pharmacy which has just arrived in Indonesia. This pharmacy ensures that all drugs sold at its outlets are 100 percent original and provide qualified pharmacists.

"We provide guarantees of up to IDR 3 billion to ensure customer safety. In addition, we ensure that each pharmacy we have a professional pharmacist who is ready to provide appropriate drug consultations and recommendations," said Lee Yin Chen as CEO of the Indonesian Apotek Alpro.

2. Check drug packaging

Counterfeit drugs have a very similar shape to the original. Therefore, checking the drug packaging carefully must be done in order to avoid counterfeit drugs.

Even though it is similar to the original, fake drugs usually have bad quality packaging production. The writing on the packaging is also wrong because of the careless production.

When receiving the drug, check whether there are oddities in the packaging. Often fake drugs do not have good production quality. So usually the aluminum foil packaging is very thin," said Lesti.

"The writing is also because of the origin of the print, usually something is wrong, it is easy to fade. When compared to the original, the color or font does not match," he added.

3. Check out the production code and expiration date

The last way that can be done to avoid counterfeit drugs is to ensure the drug production code and expiration date. You can also check the drug distribution permit by checking the code on the official website of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

"We have to make sure there is a strike number for the production of the factory, then there is an expiration date. Usually fake drugs don't print this, it's innocent where the information is. Continue to see the distribution permit on the BPOM web," continued Lesti.