How do I check that a medicine is genuine and not fake?

Question

Seeded question. The 9jah team wrote this question and its answer on 2 September 2026 to start the site. The answer was checked on that date, but prices and rules in Nigeria change, so add what you know or correct it below.

Bought drugs from a roadside pharmacy. How do I confirm they are real?

9jah · Accepted Answer

Three quick checks:

The pack must carry a NAFDAC registration number. You can search the number on the NAFDAC website.
Many packs carry a scratch panel for the Mobile Authentication Service: scratch it and send the code by SMS to the number printed on the pack (38353 has been used for years). You get a reply saying whether the product is genuine.
Buy from a registered pharmacy. The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria lists licensed premises, and a pharmacist should be on duty.

Report suspected fakes to NAFDAC. Do not take a drug whose seal is broken or whose pack looks reprinted.

Checked by the 9jah team on 2 September 2026. Corrections welcome.

How do I check that a medicine is genuine and not fake?

1 Answers