1. A counterfeit medicine is one which is deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to identify and/or source.
2. Trade in counterfeit drugs is widespread and affects both developing and developed countries.
3. Counterfeit drugs are dangerous and can even result in death.
4. Consumers can take simple steps to protect themselves
• beware of heavily discounted drugs
• take precautions when buying medicines over the Internet.  Check the websites for authenticity
• Buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies
• Retail dealings in fake medicines are reluctant to issue receipts.  Insist on one
• Check packaging for batch and lot numbers, manufacturing date, expiry date, manufacturing licence number and manufacturer’s name and address.  Be suspicious if any of this is missing.
• Look at packages and pills for any abnormal appearance such as illegible labels, improper sealing, broken tablets etc
• Immediately report to physicians and health authorities any doubts or concerns
• Promptly report to your physician any reaction or lack of effectiveness after taking a medicine.

click here for more information! http://www.wpro.who.int