Estela Arco: Confirming the Authenticity of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Through Packaging and Markings

In an era where counterfeit medications pose a considerable risk to public health, verifying the authenticity of over-the-counter (OTC) medications has become a crucial responsibility for consumers. Esteemed pharmaceutical expert Estela Arco offers valuable insights into identifying authentic OTC medications by examining their packaging and markings.

Legible, Complete, and Accurate Information

The label of a genuine OTC medication should be a beacon of clarity and precision. It must display essential information such as the active ingredients, their precise concentrations, dosage instructions, safety warnings, expiration date, and details about the manufacturer. Any hint of illegible text, spelling errors, or missing particulars could be indicative of a counterfeit product.

Standardized Medical Markings

A distinctive hallmark of authentic OTC medications is the presence of standardized medical markings meticulously regulated by local health authorities. For instance, in the United States, the National Drug Code (NDC) serves as an unmistakable identifier. Comprising a unique 10- or 11-digit code, the NDC facilitates the identification of the labeler, product, and trade package size and is usually prominently displayed on the packaging.

High-Quality Packaging

The quality of the packaging is a telling indicator of the medication’s authenticity. Genuine OTC products are consistently presented in high-quality packaging characterized by well-printed logos, securely sealed caps or tabs, and accurate product descriptions. Conversely, packaging or labeling that is poorly constructed or misaligned may suggest a counterfeit medication.

Intact Package Seals

Safety seals on OTC medications should be resolutely secure and unbroken. Any signs of tampering, such as a compromised seal, a damaged box, or caps that appear loosely fitted, should raise concerns and prompt further scrutiny to rule out counterfeit products.

Serial Numbers and Lot Numbers

Most OTC medications bear batch or lot numbers on their packaging, serving as crucial identifiers that facilitate tracking from the manufacturer to the retailer. In the event of a problem with a specific batch, these serial and lot numbers play a pivotal role in product recall. Counterfeiters often struggle to accurately replicate these numbers, rendering their presence a reassuring sign of authenticity.

Presence of UPC or Barcodes

Universal Product Codes (UPC) or barcodes are employed to uniquely identify consumer products, including OTC medications. However, peculiar or anomalous UPC or barcode patterns may raise suspicion about the authenticity of the medication, warranting closer inspection.

Color and Texture Consistency

Vigilance should extend beyond the packaging to the medication itself. Authentic OTC medications maintain a consistent profile in terms of tablet or capsule color, size, shape, and texture. Any deviations from this established consistency, such as unusual physical attributes, should prompt further scrutiny.

Presence of a Hologram or Security Thread

While not standard on all OTC medications, some manufacturers incorporate additional security features like holograms or security threads in their packaging. These elements enhance the complexity of counterfeiting and, when present, provide added assurance of the medication’s authenticity.

Medication Price Check

Although not directly related to packaging or markings, the pricing of an OTC medication is a noteworthy factor. Counterfeit drugs are often significantly cheaper than their genuine counterparts, primarily due to inferior ingredient quality and the absence of research and development costs. Therefore, a substantially lower price should serve as a cautionary signal, prompting consumers to exercise heightened diligence.

In conclusion, Estela Arco underscores the importance of scrutinizing packaging and markings when purchasing OTC medications to ensure their authenticity. By remaining vigilant and applying these guidelines, consumers can play an active role in safeguarding their health and well-being in an environment where counterfeit medications continue to pose a significant threat.