Verify a product before buying

A step-by-step path through DRAP pages, seller checks and evidence to save before payment.

Before you pay for any medicine, supplement or beauty product online in Pakistan, check two things. Who is selling it? Does it appear in the right DRAP service? These are separate questions.

Start with the seller. WHO advises buying from trusted licensed outlets. Avoid unregistered sites that hide a physical address or landline phone number. DRAP says buy from licensed pharmacies or other approved outlets.

Then check the product. DRAP's Online Data Verification page links to the Registered Drugs Index, price checks, health and OTC products, and devices. Pick the lookup that matches the product.

For a supplement or OTC item, DRAP warns the health and OTC list is for review and feedback. It is not proof that one product is valid. Match the product details, not just the brand name.

Save the listing page, the seller's address and phone number, and any batch details. If a problem appears later, this file is what a report or recall check will need.

• Check the seller is a licensed outlet with a physical address and landline phone number.
• Open the DRAP Online Data Verification page and pick the right lookup.
• Match product name, maker, strength and registration details exactly.
• Check the maximum retail price if the price looks odd.
• Save the listing, seller details and batch information before payment.

Further reading

• Packaging and delivery checklist
• Online seller red flags