Tip of the Week - March 23, 2016 - Beware of Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

With prescription drugs available online and also being delivered to mailboxes, it's important that consumers take the necessary steps to prevent falling victim to counterfeit prescription drugs.

"Many people, including our seniors, go to the Internet to find better prices on their prescriptions," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman.  "Don't buy medications from unlicensed online distributors or those who are willing to sell medications without a prescription.  In addition, thoroughly inspect all medication that arrives in your mailbox for possible tampering and counterfeit contents."

• Examine the packaging and lot numbers of prescription drugs.
• Check with your pharmacist or physician if your prescription drug looks suspicious.
• Alert your physician immediately if your medication causes adverse side effects or if your condition does not improve.
• Counterfeit drug scams are often associated with too-good-to-be-true promotions, discounts, or “special deals."