Signs of a fake medicine pack
Spelling errors
Brand or generic names with extra/missing letters, or unusual capitalization.
Mismatched batch and expiry
Strip and outer carton show different batch numbers or expiry months.
Blurry or peeling labels
Cheap printing, smudged ink, or stickers covering original text.
Fake holograms
Tamper seals look photocopied or peel off without tearing.
Suspicious price
Significant discounts well below typical MRP from unknown sellers.
Missing manufacturer info
No printed manufacturer name, license number or address.
How ImproveIt's fake medicine checker works
You scan the medicine pack — front, back and strip — using your phone camera. Our AI extracts text and layout, cross-checks brand and batch info against known patterns, and flags inconsistencies that often signal a counterfeit. You see the exact reason behind each red flag, not just a single score.
What to do if a pack looks fake
Do not consume the medicine. Keep the pack and the bill as evidence. Report the seller to your state Drug Control Department and to CDSCO's online complaint system. Tell the pharmacy you bought it from — if it is a chain pharmacy, they will usually escalate internally.
Fake medicine checker — FAQ
How common is fake medicine in India?
The CDSCO estimates spurious or substandard drugs at a small but non-trivial share of the market — concentrated in unlicensed stores and certain online channels. Buying from a licensed pharmacy and verifying the pack reduces almost all of the risk.
What's the difference between fake and substandard medicine?
Fake (spurious) medicine is deliberately counterfeited and may contain wrong or no active ingredient. Substandard medicine is genuine but does not meet quality limits, often due to poor storage or expired stock.
Can the fake medicine checker guarantee a pack is real?
No automated check can guarantee authenticity. ImproveIt highlights visible warning signs — mismatched batch, missing manufacturer, suspicious printing — and recommends pharmacist confirmation when in doubt.
What if I already bought a suspicious pack?
Stop using it, keep the pack as evidence, and report it to your state Drug Control Department and CDSCO. We have a step-by-step guide in our blog.