Verify the pharmacy licence
Ask the pharmacy for its drug licence details. A legitimate pharmacy should have a valid licence to sell medicines.
Use the official ONDLS/CDSCO portal when you have a licence number.Safer pharmacy visits
7 quick checks, Before you buy medicine
Use this guide at the pharmacy to check the seller, match the medicine with your prescription, and inspect the pack before you pay.
Example pack detailsCheck these before paying
- Medicine
- Paracetamol 500mg
- Batch no.
- AB1234
- Mfg date
- 04/2026
- Exp date
- 03/2028
- MRP
- ₹32.50
- Dosage form
- Tablet
Check before you pay
A small routine can prevent avoidable mistakes
Work through each item calmly. Ask the pharmacist when a printed detail is unclear or does not match your prescription.
Match the medicine and composition
Compare the medicine name, active ingredient, strength, and dosage form with the prescription.
Paracetamol 500mg tablet is not the same as Paracetamol 650mg tablet or syrup.Check manufacturing and expiry dates
Read the dates printed on the strip, bottle, or box. Do not buy expired medicines.
When available, ask for a fresher batch if a medicine is close to expiry, especially if you plan to store it.Check the batch number
Confirm that the strip or pack shows a batch number. It helps trace the manufacturing lot.
Keep the batch number and bill if you need to report a quality concern or respond to a recall.Compare MRP and collect a bill
Check the printed MRP against the amount charged. Do not pay more than the printed MRP.
Always ask for a bill. It helps with returns, complaints, recalls, and proof of purchase.Scan the QR code or barcode if present
If the pack includes a QR code or barcode, scan it and compare the result with the printed pack details.
Not every medicine pack has a QR code. Its absence alone does not mean a medicine is fake.Inspect the packaging
Avoid torn, leaking, faded, resealed, sticky, or suspicious packaging.
Avoid loose tablets without proper packaging unless they are provided from a clearly labelled strip with a bill.When a code is present
Scan, then compare the details
For covered medicines, a QR code or barcode can help you compare the scanned result with the strip or box. Check the brand or generic name, manufacturer, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date.
Important
Not every medicine strip is required to show a QR code. Absence of a code does not automatically mean the medicine is fake. If a code is present but the details do not match, do not buy the medicine.
Use this checklist as a practical guide
This page is for education only. It does not replace a prescription, pharmacist guidance, medical advice, or verification through the official government portal.