How to Report a Fake or Substandard Medicine in Pakistan
Exactly who to contact, what evidence to keep, and what happens after you report to DRAP.
4 min readUpdated
Table of contents9 sections
Quick answer
To report a fake medicine in Pakistan, stop using it, keep the pack, remaining doses and receipt, photograph the batch and expiry, and contact DRAP on its toll-free number 0800-03727 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00) or file a complaint at dra.gov.pk/complaints.
Key takeaways
- DRAP toll-free: 0800-03727 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00).
- Keep the pack, the remaining medicine and the receipt.
- Report side effects too — they can reveal a bad batch.
Reporting step by step
- 1
Stop using it
If you have taken the medicine and feel unwell, contact a doctor first.
- 2
Preserve evidence
Keep the carton, strip/bottle, remaining doses and receipt. Photograph batch, expiry and any 2D code.
- 3
Note the source
Write down the pharmacy or seller's name, address and the date of purchase.
- 4
Contact DRAP
Call 0800-03727 or file a complaint at dra.gov.pk/complaints.
- 5
Report side effects
Adverse reactions can be reported through DRAP's pharmacovigilance channels.
What to write in your complaint
A clear complaint helps DRAP act quickly. Include:
- Your name and contact number (kept confidential by the regulator)
- Product name, strength and dosage form exactly as printed
- Manufacturer or marketing company named on the pack
- Batch number, Mfg and Exp dates, registration number
- Pharmacy or seller name, address and purchase date
- What made you suspicious, and any side effects
- Photos of the carton, strip/bottle and 2D code
Provincial drug inspectors
Sale of medicines is also regulated by provincial health departments. Drug inspectors in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan can inspect pharmacies and seize stock. If a specific shop is selling suspicious products, you can also report it to your provincial health department or district drug inspector.
Reporting side effects (pharmacovigilance)
Even if you're not sure a medicine is fake, unexpected side effects or lack of effect are worth reporting. DRAP's pharmacovigilance programme collects these reports to detect problem batches early. Your doctor or pharmacist can help file one. If you've already taken a suspect product, read what to do if you took a fake medicine.
What happens next
DRAP may sample the batch for laboratory testing. Confirmed problems are published as recall or rapid alerts — which is also where DrugTrace batch alert data comes from.
Common questions
What is the DRAP complaint number?
DRAP's toll-free helpline is 0800-03727. Our DRAP helpline page explains what to say.
Should I return the fake medicine to the pharmacy?
Keep it as evidence until DRAP advises. Check the batch on the DRAP alerts list and see medicine recalls.
Can I report a side effect too?
Yes. See report side effects in Pakistan and took fake medicine: what to do.
Sources & references
This guide is general information, not medical advice. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.
Topic hub
Reporting & Patient Help
What to do, who to call and how to report a fake medicine or side effect.
- Report a fake medicine ★
- DRAP helpline 0800-03727
- How to report fake medicine (this page)
- Report side effects
- Took fake medicine?
- Drug Trace FAQ
- Glossary of terms
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