How to Spot Fake Injections, Vaccines and Insulin

Why injectables are targeted

Injectable medicines are expensive, hard for patients to inspect and often bought in emergencies. Several 2026 DRAP alerts involved injections and vaccines. See the 2026 alerts roundup.

Vial and ampoule checks

• ✓Flip-off cap and seal intact; no puncture marks in the rubber stopper
• ✓Label printed, not handwritten, and not peeling or re-applied
• ✓Batch and expiry on vial match the carton
• ✓Liquid clear (unless it should be a suspension) with no particles
• ✓Powder (for reconstitution) is a dry, even cake, not clumped or discoloured
• ✓Patient leaflet present and well printed

Insulin: specific checks

• ✓Pen or vial cold when bought (stored 2–8 °C)
• ✓Clear insulins are clear; cloudy (NPH) insulins resuspend evenly
• ✓No crystals, clumps or frosting
• ✓Pen label not peeling; cartridge window undamaged
• ✓Batch matches between pen, carton and leaflet

Unexplained high blood sugar despite normal doses can be a sign of degraded or fake insulin. Check with your doctor.

2026 injectable alerts

See the full list on our alerts page and the fake flu vaccine guide.

Questions to ask at a clinic

• Can I see the vial or syringe and its box before you inject?
• Where was this stored?
• Can I note the batch number?
• Which supplier do you buy from?

Cold chain: the hidden check

Insulin, vaccines and many biologics lose potency if they get warm, even when genuine. Ask whether the pharmacy kept the product refrigerated, and carry it home in an insulated bag. See storing medicines safely.

Common questions