Selling over-the-counter, expired drugs makes fake drugs go viral
According to the Department of Drug Administration, in the context of increasingly sophisticated counterfeit and poor quality drugs, people need to equip themselves with basic knowledge to protect their health. Some important notes to help people avoid buying fake medicine by mistake:
- Only buy medicine at a reputable place. Priority is given to buying drugs at licensed pharmacies and pharmacies with clear signs and consultation with pharmacists. Absolutely do not buy drugs from street vendors, temporary markets, social networks, livestreams... because the origin cannot be controlled.
- Check the packaging and information on the drug box: Packaging must be intact, not torn, not erased or edited; Read information carefully such as: drug name, lot number, production date, expiry date, registration number, producer name; Compare designs, colors, logos, fonts with genuine drugs (if used before) to detect abnormalities; Observe the tablet technique: If the color, size or symbols are strange, should be careful; Use a barcode scan or QR code (if any). In case the code cannot be scanned or the information does not match - should be suspected immediately.
- Always require an invoice when purchasing drugs: This not only helps prove the origin of drugs but also provides a legal basis if there is a need for complaints or reflections.
- Beware of selling prices that are too low: genuine drugs have relatively stable prices. If you find that the drug is being sold at an unusually cheap price, you need to consider and verify carefully.
- Proactively learn from official sources: Look up drug information on the website of the Drug Administration (https://dav.gov.vn) or the official website of the manufacturer.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist with expertise, especially for prescription drugs - should only buy according to the prescription.
Beware of drugs sold online
From July 1, 2025, according to the Law amending and supplementing the Pharmacy Law (Law No. 44/2024), only some non-prescription drugs are allowed to be sold online through websites and e-commerce platforms with the function of ordering and being licensed.
People need to note: Only buy drugs on licensed drug sales platforms. Not buying through social networks, the individual seller's identity is unknown.
Do not believe in "pharmedic" advertisements or drugs of unknown origin online.
Immediately report if you suspect that the drug is fake to authorities such as the Department of Health, the Department of Drug Administration or the police. Stop using it immediately if you have missed the purchase and contact a medical facility for instructions.
Using fake medicine can cause serious harm to health.
Look up registration number and approved drug label sample
Step 1: Access the online public service system of the Department of Drug Administration, Drug Registration section, look up the registration number, at the address:
https://dichvucong.dav.gov.vn/congbothuoc/index
Step 2: Look up the drug registration certificate, drug ingredients circulating in Vietnam, enter the drug information to be found (it can be looked up by drug name, manufacturing facility, registration facility, drug circulation registration number,...)
Select "Search for registration number".
Full information: Registration number (VD-..., VN-..., QLSP-...) or drug name ( paracetamol, Augmentin,...)
Press the "Search" button to display the result.
Step 3: Compare and check the results, the System will provide:
Full information about drugs in drug name columns, registration number, dosage form, active ingredient, content, registration and production facility;
See the label model and instructions for drug use approved by the Department of Drug Administration at column HDSD/M'U Nhan
