Where stock comes from.
WHY IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION
Counterfeit and substandard medicines cause harm and they enter through the supply chain.
WHAT TO BUY FROM
Licensed manufacturers Licensed wholesalers and distributors Authorised importers
WHAT TO NEVER BUY FROM
Open market traders Unverified sources offering low prices Anyone who cannot produce documentation
WHY LOW PRICES ARE A WARNING
Genuine product has a floor price; substantially cheaper stock is frequently not genuine.
WHAT TO VERIFY ABOUT ANY SUPPLIER
Their licence, with the regulator Their physical premises Their record with other pharmacies
WHAT TO CHECK ON EVERY DELIVERY
That the product is registered Packaging and its integrity Batch numbers and expiry dates That the invoice matches the goods Storage conditions during transport, for cold chain items
WHAT REGISTRATION MEANS
That the product is approved by the medicines regulator.
HOW TO CHECK
The regulator's published listings, and the registration number on the pack.
WHAT AUTHENTICATION MECHANISMS EXIST
Verification schemes on some products, where a code confirms authenticity.
WHAT TO DO
Use them where available.
WHAT TO RECORD FOR EVERY PURCHASE
Supplier Product, batch and expiry Quantity Invoice reference
WHY BATCH NUMBERS
They are what a recall depends on.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A PRODUCT
Quarantine it, and report it to the regulator.
