Even though counterfeit medication rarely makes the news, the
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that it accounts for almost
ten percent of the global illegal drug market. This number is expected to grow even more in the next few years. Besides taking revenue away from the pharmaceutical industry, counterfeit medication also takes its toll on
unsuspecting consumers, some of whom are taking them to treat life-threatening conditions. To protect themselves and consumers from falling prey to counterfeiters, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to security labeling.
Is your
label design secure enough for the
pharmaceutical industry? These tips will help you stay ahead of counterfeiters:
1. Spend your money wisely
Since counterfeiters are mostly attracted to
expensive medication, it is wise to spend your money accordingly. Investigate which drugs have the largest value and invest the lion’s share of your security labeling budget in those drugs.
2. Labels that leave a VOID pattern
A technique often used by drug counterfeiters is simply
reusing empty, original containers and filling them with a counterfeit product. You can easily prevent them from doing this by using selectively destructible labels that leave behind a VOID pattern once the container has been opened.
3. Labels with a dyed substrate
Another trick drug counterfeiters often turn to is creating
fake labels. Since counterfeiters tend to print their labels on white or transparent substrates, it is wise to print your labels on a substrate that has been dyed. That way, it only takes a simple scratch with a knife to tell an authentic label from a fake.
4. Holographic security labels
Using holographic labels with
intentional imperfections is another effective technique to thwart fake labels. Most counterfeiters don’t pick up on tiny imperfections and many of them don’t have the means to design and print holographic labels.
5. Traceable components
Embedding traceable components, such as a
BitSecure tracking element, into your labels will help you strengthen the efficiency and security of your supply chain and identify possible weaknesses. Make sure the traceable components are invisible to the naked eye and that only relevant authorities are able to use the tracking device(s) linked to the components.
Inspired by Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
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