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 US. To check if the online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing, or to find a list of state boards of pharmacy, contact the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) at www.nabp.net.

• 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.
• Be wary if there is no way to contact the website pharmacy by phone.
• Beware of advertisements, websites, and emails that ask you to waive your legal rights in order to participate in their prescription program.
• FDA advises consumers who have drugs misrepresented as generic Tamiflu not to use them. Instead, contact FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations by calling 1 (800) 551-3989 or by visiting www.fda.gov/OCI.

Pharmacy purchasing guidelines

The FDA recommends consumers purchase only from US 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

• Tamiflu for Oral Suspension (6 mg/mL) is available as of July 2011. The NDC code on the front of the box should be NDC 0004-0820-09.
• Tamiflu is manufactured by Genentech and will be clearly labeled on the front of the box and oral suspension bottle.

• 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.
• Each 75-mg capsule is gray/light yellow in color. “ROCHE” is printed in blue ink on the gray body and “75 mg” printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap.
• Each 45-mg capsule is gray in color. “ROCHE” is printed in blue ink on the gray body and “45 mg” is printed in blue ink on the gray cap.
• Each 30-mg capsule is light yellow in color. “ROCHE” is printed in blue ink on the light yellow body and “30 mg” is printed in blue ink on the light yellow cap.
• Each blister contains 1 capsule which can be seen through the transparent outer layer.
• Each blister has the following wording printed on the aluminum foil backing: “Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) Capsules 75 mg Distributed by ROCHE LABORATORIES, INC. NUTLEY, NJ 07110.”
• Blister aluminum foil packs also note the LOT and EXP date.

Actual Tamiflu product (US)

Sample counterfeit product

Instructions for inspecting a Tamiflu package

• 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 www.fda.gov/medwatch.
• Ask your doctor for medical advice if you have taken drugs you suspect are counterfeit.

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