What indicates the potential signs of a counterfeit drug?

Choosing unusual color, taste, or shape as an indicator of a counterfeit drug is based on the understanding that authentic medications are thoroughly developed and regulated to conform to specified characteristics. When a drug appears significantly different in color, taste, or shape from what has been established as the norm for that medication, it raises a red flag. These variations can be signs of a lack of quality control and manufacturing standards often associated with counterfeit drugs.

Authentic medications typically undergo extensive testing and quality assurance processes to ensure consistency in their appearance and formulation. Therefore, any deviation in these aspects can indicate that the drug may not be genuine, could contain incorrect ingredients, or might not meet safety and efficacy standards.

Although higher costs, packaging discrepancies like the presence of stickers, or different brand names could also suggest a counterfeit product, these indicators are less definitive compared to noticeable changes in the drug's core attributes—color, taste, and shape. Therefore, focusing on these physical characteristics provides a more immediate and clear indication that a medication may not be legitimate.