Roche - Producers of Tamiflu

Beware when buying Tamiflu online: Health Canada
Last Updated Fri, 23 Dec 2005 12:47:57 EST
CBC News
Consumers should be cautious about buying the prescription drug Tamiflu over the internet and avoid products claiming to be a generic version, Health Canada warned Friday.

Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, is considered the best early defence against a pandemic that could be triggered if H5N1 avian flu mutates into a form that spreads easily between people. The drug is also prescribed during the regular flu season.


Real versions of Tamiflu have a drug identification number on the box.
Regulators in Canada, the United States and Britain are concerned fears of a pandemic and shortages of the drug for the public could be fuelling internet sales of fake Tamiflu.

There are no authorized generic versions of the antiviral on the market, Health Canada said. It's made by the Swiss drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche.



FROM DEC. 21, 2005: Avian flu resistance to Tamiflu renews stockpile concerns

The advisory comes as British regulators investigate internet sales of products purporting to be flu-fighting drug.

Reports from the U.K. suggest several internet sites, including two Canadian ones, have been selling illegal Tamiflu to British customers, Health Canada said.

U.S. border patrol agents have also stopped more than 50 shipments of bogus Tamiflu.

"As with any medication purchased online, consumers should only buy Tamiflu with a prescription from a doctor they know, using a pharmacy where they have an established relationship," Health Canada advises.

Consumers should look for the drug information number, or DIN, on the product, and buy from internet pharmacies that provide a street address and telephone number in case there is a problem.

British regulators are testing to determine if drugs purchased online are really Tamiflu.

Consumers who suspect they have received counterfeit drugs should check with Hoffman-La Roche, which may advise them to call the RCMP. The company can confirm if it manufacturered the product.