Advisory

2005-137
December 23, 2005
For immediate release

Health Canada advises consumers be cautious when buying Tamiflu online

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers to be cautious if buying the prescription drug Tamiflu over the Internet and to avoid any products claiming to be "generic" Tamiflu, as there are no authorized generic versions of the antiviral on the market.

According to recent reports from the U.K., numerous websites, including two Canadian sites, have been selling illegal Tamiflu to U.K. customers. Other reports indicate the U.S. Customs Border Patrol has intercepted more than 50 shipments of counterfeit Tamiflu at their border. Health Canada and the RCMP are currently looking into these reports.

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.

Consumers concerned they may have received counterfeit drugs should consult with a pharmacist, their physician or the company who manufactures the drug. Once the drug is confirmed as counterfeit, the consumer should contact the RCMP. Counterfeiting pharmaceuticals is a criminal activity that poses serious risks to the health and safety of Canadians. The RCMP will conduct a criminal investigation of any Canadian businesses involved in this illegal activity.

Canadians with complaints about drugs purchased over the Internet can call Health Canada's toll-free line at 1-800-267-9675.

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Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709