testing my Tamiflu
suppose, I buy some Tamiflu over the internet and it passes the customs, how can I test it whether it’s really Tamiflu and not counterfeit ?
Is there a blacklist of companies already who have sold counterfeit Tamiflu ?
I just read about a seizure of counterfeit Tamiflu in, I think, California. They said that the pills were filled with Vitamin C. I am reluctant to order any Tamiflu because I won’t know that it’s authentic. Is there anything else that does the same thing? Thanks, Laura in PA
I just tried to order at the Goldman on line site that Eric posted. Safari picked it up as not valid and could be a counterfiet site and not secure. After what happened with the Canadian drug compnay, I did not go any further. This one seemed “legit”. I am trying so hard to get protection for my family, that I have been willing to take risks, but I think I’m done with that for awhile.
Kristy take notice!
I just tried to order at the Goldman on line site that Eric posted. Safari picked it up as not valid and could be a counterfiet site and not secure. After what happened with the Canadian drug compnay, I did not go any further. This one seemed “legit”. I am trying so hard to get protection for my family, that I have been willing to take risks, but I think I’m done with that for awhile.
Kristy take notice!
Uggh. I hope its legit. I just spent $225 there.
Eric received his, and inspected and it looked legit.
By the way, I jsut went back to the site, and logged into my account, also had them email me my password, checked the status of my order, the total cost of my order, it also lists my tracking number for my Tamiflu…the Company’s actual name is
Transpharmacy LTD Olija Trade Centre Victoria, Mahe Seychelles
all listed in plain veiw, along with my order number, date, and a button to submit a customer service question.
I’m holding that these people have a pretty good chance of being legit.
Kristy, I know you are fretting your purchase. It looks legit to me. I have also ordered other meds from them including Cipro and amantadine I believe that it real.Pray you don’t need the tamiflu, but , if you do at least you did everything possible to prevent illness. What more can a person do?
Eric, I am not fretting it too much at this point. I’m only hoping that its real, but after doing some investigating, I see nothing indicating that the company is a phony or that they are selling phony Tamiflu. Of course, I could be wrong, but for now I’m staying positive =]
I am also going to be purchasing some amantadine from them, as well as a few other antibiotics.
As soon as I get my Tamiflu I will update everyone & let them my thoughts on the legitimacy of the product.
Kristy - Their site no longer exists. It seems to be FOR SALE! I am sorry…
You guys are confusing me! lol.
I was just on the site this morning! http://goldpharma.com/
I also goggled the company, and found numerous other companies linking and recommending Goldpharma. I don’t understand where you guys are looking that I am not seeing?
http://goldpharma.com/?show=deal
I just went into my account & sent in a customer service question.
Also listed:
Tamiflu Authenticity:
Tamiflu Capsules (expiry date 07/20/10) Batch# B1142 (available) Tamiflu Capsules (expiry date 04/20/10) Batch# B1120 (available) Tamiflu Capsules (expiry date 05/20/10) Batch# B1134 (sold out)
Tamiflu Capsules (expiry date 06/2009) Batch# B1153 (sold out) Tamiflu Capsules (USA ONLY) (expiry date 10/2008) Batch# B1085 (sold out)
Their registration is: EU/1/02/222/001 In order to verify the authenticity of our sold TAMIFLU please contact the manufacturer headquarters in Switzerland
F. Hoffman - La Roche AG Konzern-Hauptsitz Grenzacherstrasse 124 CH-4070 Basel Schweiz Telefon + 41–61–688 1111 Telefax +41–61–691 9391
Now, they could just as easily ship me a bunk product, but I’ve seen two confirmations on this forum of people who ordered from here, and did receive it.
I don’t understand why people cannot see their website.
Kristy, I too just ordered from goldpharm and have similar information and even now on another window have the site open. Every way I could check, goldpharm is a legitimate business with no complaints.
BTW Roche even lists goldpharma on their website as a supplier of Tamiflu.
Thank you! I feel better knowing I’m not seeing WWW ghosts over here! LOL
Now that I have confirmation that I’m not going nuts, I’m going back to order some other stuff! =]
All,
I outlined the basic tests that could be done for authenticity on the flu clininc at curevents.com several months ago. Roche uses HPLC, but will not say more, trade secret. The only test that may be available to the average person would be Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). You basically disolve a small sample in methanol and spot it towards the bottom of a TLC plate. You then place it in a solvent. As the solvent moves up the plate, it pulls the drug with it. The drug does not move up the plate as quickly as the solvent, so you compare the two distances. The drug can only be seen as a dark spot on the plate when viewed with UV light, since most organic drugs absorb UV light. The drug should always move the same way in the same solvent, so if you know how far tamiflu should move you can tell if you probably have the real thing. This is only a screening test, not a confirmation test. However, it is not likely that fake tamiflu would match by random chance.
You could also do a UV or IR spectoscopy at most colleges and some advanced high schools. Again, you need to know what the spectra would look like, so you need a good sample first.
I offered to develop tests as part of my forensic science course, but people just thought I was scamming tamiflu. So instead, if someone has known good tamiflu, from a script in the US, and a little chemistry background, I would be willing to explain the test if you are willing to share the results. TLC is cheap and easy. All you need is access to basic chemicals (methanol, rubbing alcohol, etc.), a TLC plate, a jar, a capillary tube, and a UV light (do not know if a black light will work).
Hey, let me know if anyone is interested. I have no tamiflu, so I can’t help you and I’m not looking for any. I would be willing to share my knowledge to help develop a test.
Just received an email from Goldpharma regarding my shipment of Tamiflu
Dear Kristy _________, Your package was shipped few minutes ago by priority mail. Please review under shipping terms the usual shipping time for your destination country.
Your order ID is #######, placed on 2006–01–31 22:03:55 Thank you for ordering at goldpharma.com Best Regards goldpharma.com
Still looking legit =]
I am happy that you are feeling positive about your order. I had the same fears until my order showed up.
can some one help..please? when I go to the goldpharma site there are no prices…nothing is hot…I was able to register…but can’t figure out how to place an order…I am at the landing page from kristy’s post….thank you!
Do you have to have a prescription to order from this site?
Cat - Their page appears to be down right now. Perhaps too much traffic.
I will try to get on over the next little while, and get you to where you need to go.
If I remember correctly, I just went to the “Search” bar in the top left corner and typed in Tamiflu, and it brought up the area where it shows prices & you can select to purchase.
EOD—your referenced site is not a Roche site.
Domain name: bird-flu-pandemic-symptoms-tamiflu.com
Registrant Contact:
Xrt Services P/L
Xrt Services fwc@funwebcams.com
61755944333
Fax: 61755944333
Po Box 8595
GCMC
Bunall NA 9726
AU
I googled goldpharma and came up with a lot of sites that referenced goldpharma but all of these sites were voluntary. Like “pharmacyreviews.com” where any representative of said company could right a review about themselves. Buyer beware. The first step in legitimacy is whether they prescribe by prescription.
thank you
The site is back up Cat :) You probably already know.
Like I said, go to search & type in Tamiflu and you will be taken to where you need to go
=]
Greetings. I’m doing a story for The Associated Press on how people are trying to cash in on fears of a flu pandemic with Internet sales of fake Tamiflu, Internet fraud by promises to deliver Tamiflu that never arrives, and, a case in London, of someone trying to sel 50,000 stolen Tamiflu capsules on the Internet. I happened on your Web site via a search engine, and saw your concerns. Can you say what would make you confident that you have bought a genuine supply of Tamiflu? Do you have any fear that a counterfeit drug might even be harmful? I tried to send a message to goldpharma.com but there’s no phone number or e-mail, just a message that you register to send a message. I tried to do that but the lengthy process got tied up when it said it was registering. I will try again later today to send a message asking for their comment. I’d be grateful for any responses from concerned consumers. Sincerely yours, Michelle Faul The Associated Press mfaul@ap.org
I ordered from two sources. Goldpharma was one of them. The expiration date that I got on my first order in the US was 11/09. The expiration date from goldpharma was 11/07. The batches looked sealed well with code numbers and all the right packaging. I have not opened the package to know if it is the real thing.
Michelle Faul,
I considered ordering Tamiflu on the internet, but out of fear of getting ripped off, I didn’t order any. I did check into it a bit, though, and one of the Canadian sites had a list of tips to protect yourself, e.g., making sure the “pharmacy” was more than a P.O. box, for instance. Personally, I would try to check into the history of the business - how long they’d been around, any complaints, etc. Also this wiki is a great resource because people, sharing common concern, share their experiences and we learn from each others’ successes and mistakes.
Personally, I wouldn’t fear a counterfeit drug being harmful - probably filled with some innocuous substance - more that it was not the real thing.
I ordered two courses of Tamiflu from Goldpharma last week. I’m leary of ordering from the ‘net, but as I said before, doctors here in CA don’t seem to want to even TALK about Avian Flu, much less about prescribing Tamiflu. I just checked the website and my order has been approved, so now I sit and wait. I’m really hoping that it comes through customs unscathed, and that I receive REAL Tamiflu and not some hyped up Vitamin C tablet! What has been approved for shipment is: Tamilfu 75mg (07/2010) USA Version Batch # B1142
Michelle Faul---where and when will your story appear on AP? And what kind of slant will you have on the “preppers”, those of us who are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best?
Kristy, I recieved my order of Tamifly from Goldpharma today. The packaging looks authentic and no seals are broken. I will attempt to contact Roche to verify the authenticity using the batch numbers (on their website Goldpharma indicates how to verify with Roche).
I also saw the report on the counterfit product seazed in California, it all had been labeled as “Generic Tamiflu” (no such thing) and also had Chinese writing on the packages; Goldpharma operates and ships out of the EU.
EOD - Please let me know your findings!! I’ve love to make sure its legit. It APPEARS to be legit. I got mine from Goldpharma a few days ago.
Goldpharma operates and ships out of the EU…EU stands for?
European Union
HEY!! Got my email from Goldpharma last night. Just like Kristys!!
“Dear Bill _________, Your package was shipped few minutes ago by priority mail. Please review under shipping terms the usual shipping time for your destination country.”
Eric---I’m putting my faith in your word! :-)
HEY!! Got my email from Goldpharma last night. Just like Kristys!!
“Dear Bill _________, Your package was shipped few minutes ago by priority mail. Please review under shipping terms the usual shipping time for your destination country.”
Eric---I’m putting my faith in your word! :-)
I find this thread troubling.
While much of the discussions about ordering Tamiflu seem to center around “Goldpharma”,and some of you may feel they are legit, I have to ask-“Are you guys NUTS?”
First, it’s illegal.Which one of you wants to be the poster child for the governments crack-down on foreign imports of prescription drugs,should they decide to mount one? And since it’s not above board, you have NO RECOURSE in the event of fraud or product liability.
Second,you very possibly could be WASTING precious resources ($) on what may or may not be the real thing, and the real thing may or may not be effective at fighting BF,and it may take much higher doses than are currently prescribed-when those same resources could be going into preps that could further protect you from ever coming into contact with BF.
Third,have any of you stopped to think about the fact that there is reportedly a world-wide shortage of Tamiflu, and if that is in fact the case and the product that you get IS actually Tamiflu,where did it come from? How was it obtained? Was it stolen? Was a stockpile pilfered that was supposed to be set aside for,say, children? Did someone in some foreign country with no where near the access we have, who is not nearly as “in the know” about the potential of BF, willingly give up what could someday have saved their lives if not for the attraction of the quick buck they could make? Your demand of the product makes all of these things possible-even likely.
Lastly-and this is the one that really smokes me-I’ve read posts about getting fakes filled with vitamin C, or sugar or whatever. In such a risky proposition as the one you all are undertaking, I hope you are so lucky to get vitamin C. The other day there was a post (I cannot remember who from-my apologies to them) which contained a link to a company that you could purchase capsules from. Empty capsules in any color you might want. With a few more clicks you could have the blister packs and boxes. Why in the world would you bet your life, or the live of a loved one, on some unknown quantity? I realize we don’t walk around thinking like killers- But there are groups of people out there who can figure out how to bring down buildings,blow planes out of the sky,and sneak into our backyards even when we’re watching for them. Do you think they might be able to figure out how to pack cyanide into little capsules? Why would you put yourself in the position of letting a pill do the job that you denied BF?
Have you ever heard the part of the vampire story that warns that a vampire may only enter your home if you invite them in? What is this demand of Tamiflu by any means, if not an invitation to a vampire?
And don’t light me up because I just gave those terrorists a great idea- I guarantee that if I could come up with it, in their hatred, those batards will come up with worse.
Go ahead, have at me now.
Pipes---all very good and legitimate points.
Illegal? Yep. Am I nervous? Maybe. On the other hand, I, as a lowly employee who is not a first-responder, must protect myself and my family first. I won’t be able to hole up in my home for several months, much less several days. As a computer hardware technician, I come into contact with some of the most vile germ-carriers in the world: keyboards and mice! I won’t be able to work from home, I won’t be able to tele-commute. Every day, I touch at least 300 keyboards. I have gloves, I have my masks, but I still touch them. If there is a region-wide power grid shut-down, then I may be able to stay home.
Personally, I’m not concerned about wasting “precious resources” on this. The money I spent on what I’m gambling is the “real-deal”, I feel is well-spent. And yes, it’s a gamble, but it would appear that my government, with all of it’s resources, just hasn’t been thinking this through until very recently. 6 years ago, we were all warned about BF. Did my government start stockpiling then? No. As it turns out, there is only enough Tamiflu on hand in the US to cover approx. 2–5% of the entire population. Not good odds. I will be protecting myself and my family as best I can to avoid catching any bugs, but it’s a lot like insurance: I’m betting I will catch it, they’re betting I won’t. If a stockpile were pilfered, and it was noticed (as I’m sure it would have been), then searching for it wouldn’t take too long at all since all they’d have to do was logon to a website and look for it. High-end drugs are tagged with ‘markers’ that show their authenticity and who made them.
A world-wide shortage? Yep. I know all about that. And that right there tells me that I must protect my family by myself. If Roche knew about this 6 years ago, why didn’t they ramp up production? They have the facilities, and they could have gone back to the original manufacturer right here in the US (in California, in fact) where they bought the trade-marks and licensed them to begin production on a limited scale.
Fake capsules? Know about them too. Like I said before, it’s a gamble I feel I need to take. The tablets I (still don’t) have would be a last resort option, after making every effort I could think of to avoid coming into contact with anyone or anything that might cause me or my family to catch BF. Tamiflu may or may not work against BF…however, right now, it’s our best hope IF we do catch it. There will be no vaccine, and there certainly won’t be any ‘magic’ pill. If they’re filled with Vitamin C, then I’ll realize that I got ripped off. I do have friends in the medical field who can check these tabs, should they ever get here, to verify authenticity.
I’m not going to flame you, I’m not going to “light you up”…I agree with you that if we had thought of it, they’ve already thought of it
Bronco Bill, I am glad you had sucess getting your Tamiflu as well as Kristy. I hope that you never need it. Sleep Well.
You’re all covered by your credit card company. so theres nothing to worry about surely.
andy”You’re all covered by your credit card company. so theres nothing to worry about surely.”
WTF?
You’re not buying these drugs with fruit or veg?
surely you’re using a credit card?
I ordered some tamiflu from a lieing canadian company and my credit card company refunded teh money.
What part didn’t you understand?
Hi, sorry for my English but I found this discussion by “Google”. What about your experiences with “Goldpharma” and the delivery of Tamiflu. Did anyone check the metioned batch-numbers and registration codes at Roche. Goldpharma even recommends to check them. I would be very interested in their answer.
And - something else. Why can`t I find anything about Goldpharma in the www. No complaints, no positive things - nothing. But I can find advertising for selling Tamiflu from them. What to do now, order or not?
Hi, does not anyone read this discussion anymore? I just saw that goldpharma also offers some generic tamiflu of cipla, India. On Google I found that it could not be a genuine product because India got the Licence but is not able to start its production of tamiflu before the end of 2006. So what is the generic product? Just Vitamin C or something else very bad for our health. I ordered original tamiflu and hope to get it. I am so afraid and it would be my last option after trying to get it in case of illness here in the pharmacy. Would be very happy to read more reactions here.
I was searching also Tamiflu in the net and was linked to goldpharma. This company if one seems to have the current monopol. Moreover I noticed that all refering links to Goldpharma were set as from 23./24. February. It seems that this company did not any business before. Furthermore, I cannot trust the Roche recommendation for goldpharma. A chemical company like Roche from Switzerland being currently unable to produce and supply local pharmacies would never recommend any internetpharmacy. Why should it recommend a post box company without any authentification since last few months (or at least few days!!!) as Goldpharma. I am sure that this company changes its name as soon as one person has anaylsed chemical shipment or complains about delivery method. Take care!!!
I’ve just placed an order with Meds4yourhealth.com a subsidary company of Goldpharma based in the EU. I’ve placed my order, but I am still waiting for confirmation & the icon bars says (pending). How long does it usually take for the delivery to be confirmed?!! Anybody out there experienced this problem?!!
I’ve just placed an order with Meds4yourhealth.com a subsidary company of Goldpharma based in the EU. I’ve placed my order, but I am still waiting for confirmation & the icon bars says (pending). How long does it usually take for the delivery to be confirmed?!! Anybody out there experienced this problem?!!
I’ve just placed an order with Meds4yourhealth.com a subsidary company of Goldpharma based in the EU. I’ve placed my order, but I am still waiting for confirmation & the icon bars says (pending). How long does it usually take for the delivery to be confirmed?!! Anybody out there experienced this problem?!!
I’ve just placed an order with Meds4yourhealth.com a subsidary company of Goldpharma based in the EU. I’ve placed my order, but I am still waiting for confirmation & the icon bars says (pending). How long does it usually take for the delivery to be confirmed?!! Anybody out there experienced this problem?!!
Steve from UK---my order took about 14 days
Sorry to act stupid!! But did your order confirmation take 14 days or your actual delivery take 14 days ??? CHEERS FOR YOUR RESPONSE!!
Actual delivery
I’ve just logged into (Goldenphar) website & managed to pull up my details, which is strange because my details are also in an identical website called (Meds4yourhealth) where my orginal order was placed. I think im starting to smell a little scam emerging!! Anybody out there had similar experiences & should i start to panic!!!!!! :(
New from goldpharma/meds4yourhealth
Dear Valued Customers,
due to the high volume of Tamiflu orders we ship prefered orders that are payed directly on our bank accounts please utilize the payment option “Bank Transfer”
Does this mean they have had a lot of credit card orders placed in dispute?
Would you send your bank account information?
New from goldpharma/meds4yourhealth
Dear Valued Customers,
due to the high volume of Tamiflu orders we ship prefered orders that are payed directly on our bank accounts please utilize the payment option “Bank Transfer”
Does this mean they have had a lot of credit card orders placed in dispute?
Would you send your bank account information?
As a small business owner whose entire business is over the internet, I can tell you that I would NEVER, EVER, IN A BILLION YEARS send a wire transfer to any foreign (and probably not even domestic) company. Boom, your money is GONE, with absolutely no recourse. If you will fall for this scam you probably will also believe “Hello, I’m Joe Blow from Nigeria and I need your help to transfer some money and I will pay you handsomely for your help”.
To Steve: I also ordered from meds4yourhealth and got on 20th February and got the confirmation that my order has been approved on 22nd February. On 24th February I got the message by mail that my order has been shipped on 23rd February. I come from Germany so I apologize for my bad English. But in Germany you have no chance to get Tamiflu. No medical gives you a prescription for it. Now I am waiting and still nervous because of the money, if it is the real Tamiflu and - if they do not other strange things with my dates and my credit card. And otherwise I am still not sure if it is legal. But in Germany since 2004 it is allowed to trade and to ship medicine, but certainly not withouth a prescription. I will be very happy to hold it in my hands and it will be my last option to take them after be infected. And only if I could not get it in that case here in the pharmacy.
bini,steve,et al…Several people have said that they ordered through GoldPharma, and even that they received their orders, but I have yet to hear ANY of them tell us that they have tested their product and it is Tamiflu. DO NOT equate receiving capsules to GoldPharma being legit.
I would also ignore the advice above about “if you buy it on your credit card you’re protected” HOGWASH! What I said on the Feb. 15 post stands.
Pipes, I agree with you in any case, but I also have children and if I imagine to see them die it would be my last option. I also know that it was and is a great mistake to order tamiflu - I feel very bad hearing about a “maybe-pandemic” soon. I am afraid… After receiving it I will put it far away in my cellar and even my husband does not know anything about my order. I hope I will never have to use it and in a few years I can say: oh, I wasted money and it was really wasted.
I have recieved several orders from Goldpharma. The meds have arrived within 7 business days. I have recieved a total of 4 different drugs not just Tamiflu. Kim, I am sorry for your skepticism. I sleep well knowing I have done everything possible to protect my family.
Eric, any problems with credit-card or customs? You are right, protecting your family is the most important thing. Did you also order Relenza?
I just got a mail from roche because I asked them about the lot-numbers given by goldpharma to verify if it`s real Tamiflu. Roche just says: we do not recommend you to buy a medicine everybody wants to have over the www. Only a chemical examination can say if it is genuine. Even if it looks the same it could be a fake. No statement to Goldpharma and if it is a real pharmacy. I told Roche that Goldpharma recommends to verify the lot-numbers.
No problems. I guess you can never know for sure if it is the real thing.I know a little about printing and packaging costs, somebody would have to spend alot of money to make the packaging. It it hard to watch how this country responds to crisis situations and not want to do something to protect yourself.We live in Florida and it is still a mess from hurricane Charly, that was almost two years ago. You can order other drugs that might be easier to test or compare to get a feel if Goldpharma is legit.
Anyone buying from a not registered properly internet pharmacy is acting outright stupid. It is difficult at certain times to get Tamiflu in certain countries. But in every first world country you can get it sooner or later with a proper prescription at your local pharmacy. Instead of paying obscene prices to drug dealers of the worst kind and in the end not even knowing wether you get what you pay for, why not take your time and find out how to get it legally, affordable, secure and not faked? Half of the people posting about buying online are just promoting the business anyway.
anonymous – at 18:20 — “But in every first world country you can get it sooner or later with a proper prescription at your local pharmacy.”
Not true. Very few doctors are prescribing Tamiflu at this point. They know that by the time most people come into their office, Tamiflu will have little or no effect, and they are all under the gun to save as much of the drug as possible in case of a pandemic. I have two prescriptions of it, but I will save it for a last resort. I’ll stick with my 1998 Rothschild Cabernet Souvignon for now…
anonymus-at 18:20-“ Half of the people posting about buying online are just promoting the business anyway.” You can believe what ever you want. I have had good sucess with Goldpharma. I wish you the best. I only offer the information to try to help.
Tamiflu Testing - could you give the full details about testing?
Buyer beware. Since I`ve ordered from Goldpharma I receive at least 5 mails per day with some advertisement. I can recognize them imediately because they are in English and before I never had some in English.
Spamming aside, I’ll ask these questions again since they still have not been answered.
1)Have you had your Tamiflu tested so you know it’s what it’s supposed to be?
2)Can you say with certainty that it is not Black Market?
3)Is there a “bricks and mortar” location that if your product IS defective or fraudulent, you can go after them?
4)Why would one spend so much time,effort, and money wisely prepping in so many other areas and act so recklessly on this subject?
Who are you Eric anyway?
I have been reading your postings and it is obvious you are bios, Are you involved with them? Or is part of your PR.
You know. It is so easy to find out if they are illegal or not. It only takes an email to the FDA for them to start tracking down.
And I agree with pipes. Why there are not clear asnwers to his questions?
GOLDPHARMA
PLEASE ANYBODY THAT KNOWS ABOUT THIS SITE SHARE YOUR COMENTS SINCE THERE IS NOT MUCH INFO IN THE WEB
I would appreciate learning from someone who had already let analysed the pills of goldpharma? To be on the sunny side of life each of us should have analysed before taking the pills at case of emergency.I guess we all will die of dextrose.
Did anybody chose “transfer payment”? and did you received stuff already?
Karla,I grew up with a mother who was a bacteriologist. I understand disease. I myself almost died of brucellosis. I have no interest in any internet pharmacy. I offered the “sucess” I had because Kristy and Broncobill were looking for Tamiflu. I tried getting a prescription in Florida and was unable to. So, I did what I could to protect my family. I am sorry and frankly upset that you infer that I am some scammer. I don’t know if it is real. There is no way that I know to test it. It looked legit and that is all I can do. If you think it doesn’t concern me then you are wrong. But, I know that with the minimal stockpiles that the government has I am probably better off with the Tamiflu I have good or bad.
Hy guys, I am still nervous because I have still not yet received my order of 1st February. Maybe problems with the customs? I live in Germany and I will wait until tomorrow and then ask Goldpharma about my Tamiflu. They say it was shipped on 23rd Feb. and I think it should have arrived. Can I get to prison for ordering it?
Sorry, not my order of 1st February, but of 20th February!
Hello everybody, I am living in Germany and have no particular confidence in any governement (many politicians have already admit they already have Tamiflu at home). It’s why I ordered today Tamiflu of Goldpharma with the option “transfer payment”. I will share with you my own experience on this topic. (Eric, thank you for all the informations you gave before. I personally think you are honest).
Thank You Pierrot, I wish you well.
We just received Tamiflu from Goldpharm, but packaging is in Russian…. with an expiration date of 07/2010 B1144… not sure what I think…. Given Kristy had a similar batch number, I wonder was it in Russian packaging as well? UGH.
…Black Market?…contributing to a criminal enterprise…illegal import of a prescription drug… Yeah, Andy, tell your credit card company that!
Hy Owl, did you sent a mail to Goldpharma concerning Russian packaging? What did you order? Bulgarian (EU-Version) or US-Version? I think they ship from the EU (wonder)!
Pierrot, I am happy somebody else ordered from Goldpharma in Germany. I thought I would be the only one here. I also do not have any confidence in the government that there is enough for everybody in case of a pandemic. I still not got my order an today sent a mail to Goldpharma. Reply: its still on its way to you.
Hello,
Someone asked for test details, so here goes.
What follows is the type of drug testing that can be done. Roche uses HPLC, but will not relaese data on the test set up parameters or expected results, trade secret.
A known good source is needed to determine the parameters and expected results for each test.
TLC offers the best bet for screening test for the layman.
The authenticity of Tamiflu is an important issue. Those that cannot get a prescription may be tempted to procure Tamiflu from no prescription required sources of unknown integrity. Is there a way that one can test the validity of a questioned sample?
I teach a course in forensic science that includes the analysis of drugs as part of a toxicology unit. There are many different presumptive (screening) tests and confirmation tests that can be performed to aid in the identification of a drug sample. Presumptive screening tests are tests used to narrow down the possibilities of an unknown drug and suggest the identity of that drug. Confirmation tests prove the identity of the drug to a standard that is acceptable in a court of law.
Below are the various tests that can be performed listed in order of increasing complexity. All of these tests can normally detect drug concentrations from 0.5 mg/ml to parts per million. A Tamiflu capsule is 75 mg, so only a small fraction (1/75) of a capsule is required for testing. In most cases, 1 mg dissolved in 1 ml of methanol (or ethanol) will provide a sufficiently high concentration for all tests.
Presumptive (Screening) Tests 1. Colorimetric Tests – The sample is mixed with another substances an a color develops. The color from a single or multiple tests gives a presumptive identification of the drug. Colorimetric tests are simple to perform and interpret, but can have many false positives. The test requires specific reagents that show unique color changes. 2. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) – Drugs are spotted on layer of silica gel and placed in a developing solution. The active ingredients in the drugs move up with the solvent. Different drugs move different distances up the plate. If the spots for the suspect drug match the standard, it is presumed the suspect is a match. This is a very simple and inexpensive test and is used for drug detection and identification in the third world. 3. UV Spectroscopy (UV) – The sample is place in the spectrophotometer and a UV wavelength scan is conducted. If both samples have peaks at the same wavelengths, the samples are presumed to match. The peaks are few and very broad. Very simple and fast test but requires a UV spectrophotometer, which can normally found in most college chemistry departments and even some high schools. 4. Gas Chromatography (GC) – The sample is injected into the capillary tube and pushed through with a gas. The components go through at different rates and the time it takes each component or part of the sample to go through the tube is recorded. If both samples have peaks at the same times, the samples are presumed to match. GC is a complicated test and requires expensive equipment and training. Not for the common user. 5. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) – The sample is injected into the capillary tube and pushed through with a high pressure liquid. The components go through at different rates and the time it takes each component or part of the sample to go through the tube is recorded. If both samples have peaks at the same times, the samples are presumed to match. HPLC is a complicated test and requires expensive equipment and training. Not for the common user.
Confirmation Tests 1. Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) - The sample is place in the spectrophotometer and a IR wavelength scan is conducted. If both samples have peaks at the same wavelengths, the samples are presumed to match. There are many distinct peaks that allow the chemical to be positively identified. Very simple and fast test but requires an IR spectrophotometer, which can normally be found in many college chemistry departments. 2. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) – The sample is injected into the capillary tube and pushed through with a gas. The components go through at different rates and the time it takes each component or part of the sample to go through the tube is recorded. Each component is broken up into small parts, and the signature of the mass distribution of those parts can be used to identify every component. If both samples have peaks at the same times, the samples are presumed to match. GCMS is a very complicated test and requires expensive equipment and training. Not for the common user. 3. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) – ELISA utilizes highly sensitive and specific antibodies onto a solid-phase surface such as a microwell plate. The sample to be tested competes with an enzyme solution for the binding sites of the antibody. If the enzyme binds to the antibody, a color change occurs after the addition of substrate. The test is simple, but requires antibodies specific to the chemical to be tested. No antibodies for Tamiflu are commercially available.
For our purposes, we only need a presumptive test to check the identity, provided we have a known good sample. Counterfeiters are unlikely to go through the trouble to employ a chemical that gives similar chromatography and spectroscopy results, since most techniques require special skills or equipment. The two techniques that are the easiest to employ are TLC and UV. A smart counterfeiter may mix small amounts of Tamiflu into an actual batch, so the tests sensitive to the presence, but not the amount, of Tamiflu would be positive.
TLC only requires a TLC plate (cheap and easy to purchase), an appropriate developing solution, and a short wavelength UV light source to read the plate. The drug solution is spotted on the plate and sealed in battle with a little developing solution on the bottom. When the solvent has traveled most of the way up the plate, the plate is taken out, dried, and read under a UV light.
UV spectroscopy is even easier. The solution is diluted to a readable level with 0.2 normal sulfuric acid, placed in the spectrophotometer, and a full UV wavelength scan is conducted.
Both TLC and UV tests rely on the Tamiflu’s ability to absorb UV light. No information is available on the actual UV spectrum of Tamiflu, but based on its structure in comparison to other UV absorbent compounds it should be UV absorbent. UV and GC tests would also give an indication of the actual concentration of the Tamiflu sample. Colorimetric tests would be the easiest for a layperson to perform, but requires development of a unique color changing test, which can be difficult. Current drug colorimetric tests may or may not work to identify Tamiflu.
I am interested in developing TLC, UV, and GC tests and standard for the authenticity and concentration of Tamiflu as part of my forensic science course. Thiswould be both a timely and interesting project for my student. I have done all of these tests before with normal drug standards (cocaine, methadone, heroin, THC, valium, LSD) which are available from Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals. I am not able, however, to get a sample of Tamiflu to work with to develop these test standards.
If someone could send me an authentic sample of Tamiflu obtained with a prescription from reliable US pharmacy, I could develop the tests and post the results for everyone. My hope is to develop a test that is able to be performed by the layperson, which would be chromatography or colorimetric. All that is required is one capsule of Tamiflu, which would provide 75 mg of sample, but I would like one capsule each from two different sources to compare results for reproducibility.
This is not a scam to get Tamiflu tablets. If you are willing to donate a single capsule to this scientific endeavor, e-mail me and I will send the address. Once you have sent a capsule, please post a message to this site so that everyone will know and so that I don’t get more capsules (I wouldn’t use them anyway, because I would have to test the authenticity of each one individually and then someone could still mix the Tamiflu with another potentially dangerous substance.). I will also post an update when I have received two capsules so that no more are sent.
Thank you for your interest. It would be a fun and interesting lab to develop for my students and hopefully we can develop a layperson test for Tamiflu authenticity.
Sorry, forgot to include that I am no longer seeking to set up the test. Please ignore the the part about sending one capsule. I do not want or need the hate mail about trolling for free tamiflu.
Like I said, I can provide technical expertise to anyone if they share the results. Otherwise the information is provided for reference only.
Thank you.
For how it is being hyped, Tamiflu is counterfeit. See links in second post on
http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Forum.Tamiflu-amIMissingSomething
The reports coming out on black elederberry (Sambucol) may show that it is far more effective - and cheaper.
bini, thought I thought I was ordering a US version, but they said it would come from Bulgaria…. and it did. In an unmarked envelope. Probenicid was missing and they are not responding to my request for follow up… But what confused me was the serial numbers were so close to what Kristy got. If hers were not in Russian/Bulgarian, then how could our lot numbers be so close together…
I am feeling a little uneasy about this batch….
any thoughts on this?
As I said before. I asked Roche about the serial numbers because Goldpharma recommended to verify them there. No comment. Just suggesting me not to order over the www. No chance to get any comment about the serial number. But by the way why is tamiflu still available at Goldpharma? If you read today`s newspaper you can see that there is not enough tamiflu by this time. But as the government says: there will be enough in case of pandemic. Maybe Goldpharma is Roche? Who knows if they do not want to sell their stuff for a better price as they can get by taking a legal way.
Packaging is cheap, means nothing, Don’t order out of the country. There are a few legitimate online sites, but they need the prescription to come from your doctor’s office, via fax or phone verification. Unless you have a doctor/friend, I accept not getting any Tamiflu, until it’s available for prophalactic purchase.
Forcenic Science Instructor: Excellent! Can you further this with what is likely to be in fraudulent caps? Household or drug store chemical color reaction? example: a drop of iodine on US currency indicating “suspect” paper (detector pens). Scammers will put some genuine drug in the cap, the rest filler, probably the cheapest color match.
Sorry to see ya burned from your earlier post.
BUYER AWARENESS : There is a post on caps and packaging in the TAMIFLU string / Feb. 08 / 13:25. Should it be posted here also?
any one know anything about drugdelivery.ca -i have recieved tamiflu from them prior to xmas any info on authenticity of their products packaging comes from soth africa
is there any laboratory which does testing of Tamiflu ? What does it cost ? Can’t some organization collect and analyze random samples from internet-tamiflu-deliverers and publish the results ?
“Tamiflu Testing”, can’t you put that information on a web-page ? How much Tamiflu is needed for a test ? Maybe you needn’t a whole capsule, just some tiny amount sent in a normal letter ?
Answers to testing questions.
UV and TLC (and IR, GC or HPLC)tests require only small amounts (less than 1 mg of active substance) for the tests. The tests are easy to perform if you know the equipment. Some experimentation is needed for GC and HPLC to get the correct parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) and also for TLC (different mobile phases). UV spectroscopy can also provide concentration information, based on peak absorbance.
Colormetric testing would require the development of a test or series of tests that give a unique color change. This could use current drug screening reactants, but the development of a test would require much trial and error, requiring a great deal of experimental trials. Although this test would be the easiest once developed, it would require the greatest amount of development time and testing. Colormetric tests can also give concentration clues, based on the depth of the color. One may not be able to develop a unique colormetric test for tamiflu.
One capsule would be more than adequate for all tests. Loose powders in the mail are probably not a good idea, could be mistaken for narcotics or anthrax.
UV and TLC testing would be the easiest tests. UV just requires determination of the correct concentration, start high and dilute until readable. TLC requires determining a suitable solvent or two, but this should only take a few trials.
The problem, as I see it, is that people that have the real thing have no interest in a test, and people who are unsure can not determine if they have the real thing or not. You need to have a good sample to develop a test, but if you know you have the real thing, there is no incentive to develop the test. Catch 22. The other problem is that it is illegal to order prescription drugs without a prescription, so people are reluctant be upfront about this.
The government should stockpile more Tamiflu, but they can’t afford it and want to maintain control of it. It is unthinkable in their minds to allow people to buy tamiflu without a precription and pay for it themselves. This would allow for increased antiviral stockpiles and decreased cost to the government. Unfortanately, this would allow people to take care of themselves, and some people would not choose to buy it, so it would not be “fair”. (Sorry for the nanny state, personal responsibility, anti-socialism rant - I know it is shocking from someone in academics.)
We could hope that some alturistic person with the skills will do a TLC or UV test and post the results. I think we will all learn, if there is a pandemic, just how altuistic people are.
I am thinking about taking our Tamiflu to my pharmacist. Maybe he can shed some light on packaging or batch numbers. Just to see if he has any thoughts.
I have had my script for tamiflu OKed and now waiting for delivery from Goldpharma. I have wondered about the authenticity but have come to a decision that I will keep trying to get it. I am in Australia and can not get Tamiflu any where here. The company I work for has said it has bought doses but I assume it is not for all my family as well. I beleive the cost is worth it even though it is a big gamble at the moment as to my purchases authenticity. One thing I googled a bit on those generic tamiflus and I reckon those Indians are producing even though I have read they arn’t supposed to be.
Don’t stake your life on “Illegal Tamiflu”.
{At JFK airport in New York, U.S. customs agents have confiscated hundreds of illegal Tamiflu packages in recent weeks. Agents say it’s desperate consumers worried about bird flu, that order Tamiflu online from overseas …paying nearly 200 dollars a package . Counterfeiters are now cashing in, making fake Tamiflu……this stash labeled “generic” is counterfeit and experts have confirmed it does not contain any of the drug’s active ingredients and it may even be harmful. To avoid fake Tamiflu…authorities say you should not buy the medicine online without your doctor’s prescription.}
{At JFK airport in New York, U.S. customs agents have confiscated hundreds of illegal Tamiflu packages in recent weeks. Agents say it’s desperate consumers worried about bird flu, that order Tamiflu online from overseas …paying nearly 200 dollars a package . Counterfeiters are now cashing in, making fake Tamiflu……this stash labeled “generic” is counterfeit and experts have confirmed it does not contain any of the drug’s active ingredients and it may even be harmful. To avoid fake Tamiflu…authorities say you should not buy the medicine online without your doctor’s prescription.}
Peculiar advice: “don’t buy medicine on line without a prescription.” How will a prescription prove your on-line order brought you real and not fake? “She ordered with a prescription, send her the real stuff; he ordered without prescription, send him the fake.” I doubt it.
I did wonder, when I saw that news report, if seizing Tamiflu is how US gov intends to increase it’s stockpile for the politicians - whoops I mean for the HCWs. But that’s way too cynical. I hope.
I have got some problems with goldpharma. I have still not yet received my order of 2 courses Tamiflu. I just sent them several mails but do not get any reply. What about my money? Lost for nothing? Any chance to get it back (paid by credit card)
you can check what genuine Tamiflu look like on google images. Also on each boxes og genuine tamiflu there should be lot numbers too. I got Tamiflu from an online pharmacy last month and delivered in 9 days. and the customer service replied all my emails and questions in a few hours. last week i used one box Tamiflu for the flu. I started taking it as the symptoms started it really worked. you can check www.bbonlinepharmacy.com for more information and also if you cant recive your medications paid by credit card you can ask for a chargeback too.
goldpharama
-they have delivered my Tamiflu orders (albeit from 3 weeks - 4 weeks delivery time).
compared lot #s to ones listed - OK. 2010 expiration date.
good to go.
“this stash labeled “generic” is counterfeit and experts have confirmed it does not contain any of the drug’s active ingredients”
DUH!!! There is no such thing as GENERIC Tamiflu. Roche is the only company that makes it.
There is no human-human contagious strain of bird flu so why buy a “vaccine” that hasn’t even been shown to work???
I ordered twice from goldpharma. The first time I got what appears to be a legitamite product. The second batch never arrived. So I emailed them and they said it was sent from Bulgaria with no tracking. They apologized and then they credited my charge card the full amount. Around 400$. I truly believe these guys are legit.
Thank you, Joe. I am feeling better though I have still not yet received my order. They meanwhile sent me a mail confirming re-shipment of my order. Now I am waiting again. I also asked for crediting my charge card the amount but they did not say anything to this…
if someone just posts microscopic pictures of real Tamiflu, shouldn’t that already unmask most counterfeits ?
gs, please have a look at “online-pharmycy24.de”, they show a picture of real Tamiflu…
http://www.online-pharmacy24.de/tamiflu_fotos.html
but what I meant was the shape of the Tamiflu corns/powder
under the microscope, when you open the capsule and examine it.
Opening the capsules and mixing it with some other powdered food could also be a good idea to mislead potential robbers ;-)
BTW. a guy with a white {Kittel} on a pharmacy webpage makes me a little suspicious (but only a little..)
I have just received my tamiflu from goldpharma. It was shipped in Spain, english information inside. I compared it with the photos of “www.online-pharmacy24.de” an the package as well as the capsules seem to be a little different. The colors are similar but not the same. Also the “blister” (do not know the right english word, meaning within the capsules are)looks a little different from what the mentioned side shows. But what makes me considering about is that the expiry date is printed on the package and not imprinted.
I’m sorry, but I came in the middle of this discussion regarding the purchase of Tamiflu. It seems that you’ve determined that goldpharma is legit. I apologize, but I have to get to work and am unable to read all of the posts, so I include below the pricing pages from goldpharma and drugstore.com, who I believe is actually Rite Aid. The priceing differences are significant between the two aforementioned web sites. Please review - and let me know if I’ve missed something.
http://goldpharma.com/?show=deal
http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=00004080085&trx=1Z5006
Mmmelody47: I don’t think that goldpharma requires a prescription whereas drugstore.com does.
Aha! Thank you.
Ordered twice from bbonlinepharmacy. first order came in 5 days from UK and second came from Ireland in 10 days. meds look exact same as onlinepharmacy24.de also batch number on the boxes and original English leaflets inside. first order i received expires 10/2009 and second one expires 10/2010. they have a good customer service. they reply my emails promptly.
just got my order from goldpharma - 2 weeks - everything looks perfect
Me same as Jason above. No problem.
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