How to Authentically Verify Chinese Prescription Drugs: A Buyer's Guide
Navigating the market for Chinese prescription drugs can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when ensuring authenticity to protect your health. With a blend of traditional and modern pharmaceuticals, China provides diverse options for various needs. However, verifying genuine products is key to steering clear of counterfeits. This guide outlines straightforward steps to confirm the legitimacy of Chinese prescription medications, whether you're sourcing them locally or from afar.
For reliable access, consider providers like DengYue Medicine, which focuses on authentic Chinese prescription drugs compliant with national standards. They offer clear labeling and verifiable information to simplify the process.
Step 1: Check the Expiration Date
Begin with the fundamentals: examine the expiration date on the packaging. Watch for tampering signs, such as blurred printing, changes, or dates that appear unrealistic or nearing expiry. Products from trusted sources, including DengYue Medicine, feature crisp, unmodified dates. If expired or altered, it's probably counterfeit and best discarded.
Step 2: Scan the China Drug Electronic Supervision Code
Chinese prescription drugs typically include a unique 20-digit electronic supervision code starting with '8' (signifying pharmaceuticals). The structure includes: the second digit for code level (primary, secondary, or tertiary), digits 3-7 for product specifics like manufacturer and specs, digits 8-16 as a package serial number, and the final four as an encryption sequence.
Verify it using apps like Alipay's "Scan" function, which is accessible and straightforward. Scan the code to query the official database for authenticity confirmation. Items from DengYue Medicine come with easily verifiable codes, enhancing buyer assurance.
Step 3: Verify the National Drug Approval Number ("Guoyao Zhunzi")
All legitimate Chinese prescription drugs require an approval number from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). It's formatted as "Guoyao Zhunzi" followed by H (chemical drugs), Z (traditional Chinese medicines), or S (biological products), plus a four-digit year and sequence. Variations exist for regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan (HC/ZC/SC + year + sequence) or imports (HJ/ZJ/SJ + year + sequence).
To check, head to the NMPA website (www.nmpa.gov.cn), go to the "Drugs" section, and select "Drug Query." Input the number for results. No approval number signals a fake. Reputable suppliers like DengYue Medicine clearly display these on packaging for easy verification.
Step 4: Scan the Barcode on the Packaging
For a quick check, scan the barcode on the drug's packaging with apps like WeChat or Alipay. This cross-references with databases, revealing manufacturer, batch, and distribution details—strong indicators of authenticity.
Following these steps empowers you to make informed purchases of Chinese prescription drugs, minimizing risks from fakes. When selecting suppliers, prioritize those with transparency. DengYue Medicine, for example, meets these verification standards and supports global access with user-friendly resources.