Recognizing Counterfeit TAMIFLU
Information You Should Know
There are a number of steps consumers can take to protect themselves from the threats
posed by drug counterfeiters. Genentech offers these practical guidelines.
Internet Purchasing Guidelines
For consumers who want to buy prescription drugs online, the FDA recommends
purchasing only from state–licensed pharmacies in the U.S. To check if the
online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing, contact the National Association
of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) at www.nabp.net. For a list of state boards of
pharmacy, visit www.nabp.net.
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Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites, or VIPPS, seal. VIPPS is a
voluntary program by NABP that verifies the legitimacy of Internet sites dispensing
prescription drugs. More information about the program and a list of pharmacies that
carry the seal are listed at http://www.vipps.info/.
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Be wary if there is no way to contact the Web site pharmacy by phone.
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Be wary of very low or very high prices – the average cost for TAMIFLU is $80 to $90
for a course of treatment. Anything below or above that amount should be a red flag.
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Beware of advertisements, Web sites and e–mails that ask you to waive your legal rights in order to participate in their prescription program.
Pharmacy Purchasing Guidelines
The FDA recommends consumers purchase only from U.S. state–licensed pharmacies where
FDA and state authorities can assure the quality of drug manufacturing, packaging,
distribution and labeling. You can check with your state board of pharmacy or the NABP
at www.nabp.net to see if a pharmacy is licensed.
Instructions for Inspecting a TAMIFLU Package
- Check for altered or unsealed containers, or changes in the packaging or label.
- TAMIFLU comes in a white cardboard box with the wording TAMIFLU 30 mg, 45 mg, or 75 mg written clearly on the front.
- The box contains a single blister package containing 10 TAMIFLU capsules, which are a distinct yellow and light grey color.
- Each blister contains one capsule which can be seen through the transparent outer layer.
- Each blister is printed on the aluminum foil of the reverse side with the words TAMIFLU Capsules 30 mg, 45 mg, or 75 mg.
- The batch number on the outside packaging should match the batch number on the inner packaging.
Actual TAMIFLU Product (U.S.)
Sample Counterfeit Product
Reporting Suspicious Products
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If you believe you have bought a counterfeit drug, report it to the pharmacist.
You can also report your suspicions to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1–800–332–1088 or at
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/.
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Ask your doctor for medical advice if you have taken drugs you suspect are counterfeit.
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If you have any specific questions regarding TAMIFLU, contact Genentech Service Center at 1–800–526–6367.
TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year).
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.
If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking TAMIFLU and contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.