Warning signs: how to spot unsafe medicines and pharmacies

Some meds help, some hurt — and you should know the difference fast. This page shows clear warning signs to watch for when buying or taking medicines, plus simple checks to spot sketchy online pharmacies. No fluff, just practical steps you can use right away.

Red flags when buying medicines online

Watch for websites that don’t ask for a prescription for prescription-only drugs. If a site sells antibiotics, antidepressants, or controlled meds without a prescription, that’s a big red flag. Other signs: no licensed pharmacist listed, no phone number or physical address, prices that look too-good-to-be-true, many spelling mistakes, and insecure checkout pages (no HTTPS).

Check the packaging and labeling when your order arrives. Look for a clear drug name, dosage, lot number, expiration date, and a patient leaflet. If pills are unbranded, misshapen, oddly colored, or smell strange, don’t take them. Keep the box and photos — they help if you need to report the seller.

Warning signs while taking a drug

Stop and get help if you notice severe or sudden symptoms. Call emergency services for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, chest pain, or sudden severe dizziness. These can be signs of anaphylaxis, heart trouble, or other life-threatening reactions.

Watch for these serious but less dramatic signs too: yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, unexplained bruising or bleeding, very high fever, persistent sore throat, or a sudden change in mood and behavior (new suicidal thoughts or extreme agitation). These might point to liver damage, blood problems, or severe psychiatric effects — get medical advice fast.

There are also drug-specific warning signs worth noting. For example, long-term metformin use can cause stomach upset and vitamin B12 drops — if you get numbness or unusual tiredness, check with your doctor. Some antibiotics like chloramphenicol can cause bone marrow problems; unexplained bruising, fever, or sore throat should prompt immediate review. Mixing medicines matters too: OTC antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers can interact badly with older antidepressants like imipramine — expect extra drowsiness, fast heartbeat, or blood pressure changes.

What to do right away: stop the medicine if the reaction is severe and seek emergency care. For less severe but worrying symptoms, call your prescriber or pharmacist, keep the medication container, note when symptoms started, and take photos if relevant. Report dangerous online pharmacies to your local regulator and keep payment records.

If you want more detail on a specific drug, side effect, or how to verify an online pharmacy, check the related guides on our site. Knowing the right warning signs makes a big difference — it can protect your health and your wallet.