THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is highlighting the necessity of being able to spot a counterfeit medicine, and is challenging health professionals as to whether they can identify which of the above medicines is real.
An update on the TGA website this week notes that comparison against a legitimate medicine is the quickest way to spot a fake.
"Medicines are manufactured with precision, so any variation in size, weight, colour, quality or embossing could indicate a forgery," the TGA said.
"We use laboratory tests to assess suspected counterfeits...our analytical chemistry techniques profile the ingredients and potency of these medicines, which can confirm that a medicine is a fake."
And the answer? The pill on top identifies itself as legitimate through the more accurate company logo, while the bottom two pills have a greyish-blue colour and rougher edges.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Mar 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 11 Mar 20
