Alert: Counterfeit Phentermine Found in the U.S.

This is a reprint from Actavis.

Actavis Elizabeth LLC is warning consumers and healthcare professionals that counterfeit Phentermine HCl Tablets (USP 37.5 mg) that contain fenfluramine, a dangerous ingredient, have been found in the United States.

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant medicine that Actavis has not distributed in the U.S. since 2008 and does not intend to market Phentermine HCL Tablets (USP 37.5 mg) until at least 2012. Actavis does not distribute phentermine to online sellers. For these reasons, any product sold in the U.S. today reporting to be Actavis’ Phentermine HCl Tablets (USP 37.5 mg) is counterfeit.

The counterfeit tablets contain fenfluramine, which was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1997 because it can cause heart damage, known as valvular heart disease.

The counterfeit tablets are a white oval-shaped bisected tablet with blue speckles with an “A” and “159” embossed on the tablet.   

Anyone who has the counterfeit version should stop taking the product. They are encouraged to report this or any adverse events or side effects, related to the use of this product to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm

Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.