K N O W Y O U R S O U R C EK N O W Y O U R P R O D U C T

B Y: S H A R O N R O B E R T S , P H A R M A C I S T A N D AT T O R N E Y

In 2014 the FDA launched the“Know Your Source” campaign. This Program encourages health care professionals to ensure that they are purchasing prescription drug products from properly licensed and regulated distributors. Through this program, the FDA has shared helpful tips on avoiding and recognizing rogue wholesale drug distributors. Ultimately, initiatives such as the "Know Your Source" program and the DSCSA protect the health and safety of the patient, as well as protect the liability of the professionals that unwittingly associate with unlicensed distributors. The tips that follow are to be used to identify unsafe, ineffective or counterfeit drugs.

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• The label is not in English

• The packaging is slightly different from that of an FDA-approved drug product

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

*photo credit to Wikimedia user Chaos

• The questionable product’s name is different from the FDA-approved drug

*photo credit to Amanda Mills/CDC

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• The dosage form or suggested dosing is unfamiliar or inconsistent

*photo credit to Amanda Mills/CDC

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• There is an absence of safety information or warnings on the packaging and labels

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• The way that the questionable drug is administered is different from the FDA-approved drug

*photo credit to Debora Cartagena/CDC

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• Patients report suffering from unexpected side effects or that the drug is ineffective

• Extreme marketing tactics like significant discounts suggest that the drug products may have been obtained illegally, are unsafe or are unapproved

C O M M O N T R A I T S O F U N S A F E /C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

• As a healthcare professional, ensure that your wholesale drug distributor is currently licensed in your state

T I P S O N U N S A F E / C O U N T E R F E I T D R U G S :

In order to reduce the chance of these unsafe and unregulated drugs reaching patients, healthcare professionals are encouraged to fully assess the validity of the credentials of their suppliers.

*make sure to visit sharonrobertsconsulting.com