Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), the leading prescription antiviral medication for prevention and treatment of influenza, is the only oral antiviral that has shown activity in vitro and in animal studies against the H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus, which is spreading throughout regions of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
“Consumers worldwide can be assured that Roche is doing everything possible to protect the integrity of Tamiflu, and indeed all its products,” said George Abercrombie, president and CEO of Hoffmann-La Roche. “We take the counterfeiting threat extremely seriously, and continually adapt our procedures.”
Mr Abercrombie added that, by knowing what to look for, consumers can play a valuable role in protecting themselves from the risks posed by counterfeit drugs.
The new guidelines provide specific information and tools to help consumers avoid purchasing counterfeit Tamiflu, identify valid product, and act judiciously if suspicions arise. Recommendations to consumers include to use caution when purchasing on the internet, and to only purchase from a licensed pharmacy.
The new recommendations can be viewed online at www.tamiflu.com. The guidelines will also be distributed through additional channels, such as professional and patient advocacy groups.
The consumer guidelines are the latest element in Roche’s corporate anti-counterfeiting initiative, which includes internet surveillance, communications protocols and tracking systems. The tactics are designed to protect the integrity of Tamiflu from criminal counterfeiting, particularly in light of recent seizures of counterfeit shipments in the US and abroad.