Drug tampering

Medical Encyclopedia

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Contents of this page:
Illustrations Information	References

Illustrations

Drugs

Information Return to top

Question:

How do you determine if a medicine has been tampered with?

Answer:

Avoid medications that don't look or smell right.
Look at the outer package and don't buy it if it is damaged.
Make sure the lot number on the bottle matches the lot number of the box it came in.
Carefully look at the package and seal before opening it. Take it back if there are any rips, cracks, or breaks.
Buy your medications from reputable pharmacies.

References Return to top

US Food and Drug Administration. Buying prescription medicine online: A consumer safety guide. Updated August 14, 2008. Accessed March 14, 2009.

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s tips for taking medicines. Updated July 2001. Accessed March 14, 2009.

Update Date: 3/16/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9