Simple Steps for S.A.F.E Sourcing: Partnership for Safe Medicines

Simple Steps for S.A.F.E. Sourcing

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Step 2: Detect Unsafe Medicines and Vendors

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

Pharmacists can also play a major role in detecting unsafe products and stopping them before they reach patients. You can use this list of risk factors to acquaint yourself with issues that might cause concern. See Step 3 for instructions on how to report suspicious activity.

UNSOLICITED SALES OFFERS

Advertises itself as located outside of the U.S or lists a foreign telephone number
Does not provide a listed physical address
Promises availability in a time of shortage
Contains misspellings of ingredient and/or brand names
Offers generic forms of drugs when none are approved in U.S.
Does not possess a dedicated hard telephone line or list a phone number

SUSPICIOUS VENDORS

Does not have a wholesale license from the state licensing authority
Wants payment in cash only
Refuses to pass on pedigree documentation
Refuses to certify that product is not diverted, not stolen, or not counterfeit
Refuses to divulge source of the product
Refuses to disclose expiration date or lot number of the product
Offers a price that is too good to be true
Has inventory product list in constant turnover

PACKAGING

Packages of single product come from multiple lot #s
Boxes look worn, tattered, not up to quality of established reliable sources
Package labels or label colors near the expiration date are faded
Product packaging is missing overt markings such as color shifting ink, raised printing, holograms
Seals or sealing taps over the product openings are missing
Seals or sealing taps appear to be broken or tampered or appear abnormal
Product comes in different quantities than normally or usually distributed
Printed text is different in size or design than normal

LABELS

Labeling or packaging contains misspellings
Labeling looks dirty and scuffed or at odd angle
Labeling written in foreign language or for foreign market
Extra glue or tacky residue remains on the outside edge of label
Labels indicating “not for resale” or physician use only

PRODUCT

Tablets are the wrong color
Product comes in a different dosage form than the FDA approved product
Tablet markings are not correct
Wrong product or wrong dosage level
Package insert or components are missing

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