In the context of continuous healthcare sector innovation to better serve the community, counterfeit medicine remains a serious challenge. The recent case in Thanh Hoa, where police discovered and dismantled a large-scale counterfeit drug production and trading network, has once again raised alarm about this situation.

According to the Drug Administration of Vietnam – Ministry of Health, counterfeit drugs, especially treatment medications and health supplements of unknown origin, are seriously threatening public health. Using these products not only reduces treatment effectiveness but can also cause serious side effects, potentially life-threatening.

Furthermore, counterfeit drugs erode public trust in the healthcare system, affect the pharmaceutical industry's reputation, and cause significant economic losses.

How to Check Registration Numbers and Approved Drug Labels

Step 1: Access the Drug Administration's online public service system, Drug Registration section, to check registration numbers at: https://dichvucong.dav.gov.vn/congbothuoc/index

Step 2: Search for drug registration certificates and pharmaceutical ingredients circulating in Vietnam by entering drug information (searchable by drug name, manufacturer, registration facility, drug registration number, etc.)

Select "Registration Number Search"

Enter complete information: Registration number (VD-..., VN-..., QLSP-...) or drug name (Paracetamol, Augmentin, ...)

Click "Search" to display results

Step 3: Compare and verify results. The system will provide:

Complete drug information including name, registration number, dosage form, active ingredients, strength, registration facility, manufacturer

View labels and usage instructions approved by the Drug Administration in the instructions/LABEL column

8 Guidelines to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Counterfeit Drugs

1. Buy from reputable sources:

Only purchase from licensed, reputable pharmacies with clear addresses

Avoid unclear sources like markets, street vendors, or social media/livestream platforms

2. Check packaging and information:

Packaging must be intact, not torn, faded, or showing signs of tampering

Verify information: drug name, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, registration number, manufacturer

Compare with genuine packaging to detect differences in color, print, or logo

Observe color, size, markings on pills and boxes

Use barcode/QR code scanning apps to verify product information

3. Request invoices and documentation:

Ask for purchase receipts to ensure origin

Receipts serve as basis for complaints if counterfeits are detected

4. Be aware of unusual pricing:

Counterfeit drugs are often sold at suspiciously low prices

Exercise caution if prices are significantly below market rates

5. Research from official sources:

Check information on the Drug Administration website (dav.gov.vn) or manufacturer websites

Consult doctors or pharmacists before purchasing

Only buy prescription drugs with doctor's prescription

6. Be cautious with online purchases:

From July 1, 2025, when Law No. 44/2024 takes effect, only certain non-prescription drugs can be sold through e-commerce platforms

After July 1, 2025, only buy from licensed online pharmacies

Avoid social media platforms or unidentified individual sellers

7. Limit purchases based on advertisements:

Avoid believing in "miracle drug" advertisements

Be wary of drugs of unclear origin sold online or through word-of-mouth

8. Report suspicious cases:

Report suspected counterfeits to authorities (Department of Health, Drug Administration, or local police)

If counterfeit drugs are purchased, stop use immediately and contact healthcare facilities for advice

Pharmedi Vietnam 2025 – Ideal Destination for Updates on Safe and Modern Pharmaceutical Technology and Medical Equipment

Pharmedi Vietnam 2025 is Vietnam's leading medical exhibition, showcasing verified technology solutions and genuine medical products.

Event Details:

Date: September 24-27, 2025

Location: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), District 7, HCMC

Website: pharmed.vn

Email: [email protected]

Hotline: +84 28 3636 2906

The exhibition features hundreds of businesses from various countries, displaying products in:

Pharmaceuticals – treatment drugs, proprietary medicines, GMP-WHO certified health supplements

Medical equipment – imaging diagnostics, emergency resuscitation equipment, endoscopy, operating room equipment

Laboratory equipment – pharmaceutical testing technology, microbiological testing, molecular biology

Digital healthcare transformation – drug lookup software, prescription management systems, electronic medical records

Pharmedi Vietnam 2025 serves as both a global healthcare trends update platform and a trusted space for connecting, learning, and selecting high-quality, legitimate medical solutions for the Vietnamese community.

Source: Health & Life Newspaper

Related post

• Vietnam reaches tech transfer agreement on US Covid-19 vaccines
• Leading Vietnam’s Healthcare sectors for US Exports and Investments
• [ VIDEO] Opening Vietnam Pharmed & Healthcare Exhibition 2019
• Growth Drivers, Industry Trends, Demand and Future Opportunities till 2031 of the Vietnamese Medical Device Market
• Pharmedi Vietnam 2019: Exhibitor's List ( Updating )