RxLink®

RPhLink.com  The Pharmaceutical Care Network!

From: Pfizer                                                                                   03-15-05 Important Information Regarding new Packaging Pfizer is committed to making improvements in packaging in order to protect the integrity of our products against counterfeiting. Over the next several months, we will be introducing a new security, color-shift logo to the packaging of Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), Norvasc (amlodipine besylate), and Zoloft (sertraline HCl). The purpose of the new color-shift logo is to help ensure product authenticity and deter counterfeit versions. The new security packaging will feature a Pfizer logo that changes from blue to purple when examined from various angles. We will be introducing the new packaging in a phased approach beginning in the first quarter of 2005, so you may see the new packaging for certain package sizes before others. We expect to complete this transition over the next several months. This new security packaging will help ensure that you are receiving authentic Pfizer products, approved by regulatory authorities and formulated and packaged to the highest standards. If you have any questions regarding this new packaging, please refer to our FAQs on the other side of this letter or call Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985. (diltiazem HCl) is now approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina in addition to hypertension. FAQs WHY IS PFIZER USING A COLOR-SHIFT LOGO ON THESE PACKAGES? As counterfeiting becomes a more serious concern to the pharmaceutical industry, we are taking steps to ensure the integrity of our products and the safety of our patients. The color-shift logo is part of an initiative to deter counterfeiters of Lipitor, Norvasc, and Zoloft from copying these products and packages. This new packaging will enable pharmacists to check that the product they receive is authentic. WHAT ARE THE SECURITY FEATURES OF THE NEW PACKAGING? The Pfizer logo will appear on the label and will change color when the bottle is tilted. The color of the logo shifts form blue to purple when viewed at different angles. HOW DOES ONE VIEW THE COLOR-SHIFT LOGO? View the Pfizer logo with the color-shift feature in a well-lit area, preferably with natural light. If no natural light is available, view in an area with sufficient white light. Hold the bottle horizontally at eye level to note the blue color. As you rotate the bottle away form you at a slight angle, you will notice the logo will change form blue to purple. IF ONE OF THESE PRODUCT BOTTLES DOES NOT HAVE THE COLOR-SHIFT LOGO, DOES THAT MEAN IT IS COUNTERFEIT? No, it will take us some time to deplete older inventory already in distribution so there will be authentic product available during the transition without the new packaging. Purchasing these products without the Pfizer color-shift logo does not mean the product is counterfeit, though it is still important to purchase all Pfizer products from an authorized wholesaler. HOW BIG A PROBLEM IS COUNTERFEITING? The United States has a very safe distribution system that is generally considered to be the gold standard in the world. While US consumers can rest assured that the vast majority of the prescription drugs they but are authentic, safe and effective, counterfeiting is increasingly becoming a more serious problem. Pfizer is working with the FDA, wholesalers, the pharmacy community, and others to determine how best to keep America's drug distribution system safe for patients. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT? It is impossible to know whether counterfeit products contain ingredients that are hazardous to the health of consumers. This is why we stress the importance of buying prescription medicines form licensed and regulated sources. ARE OTHER PFIZER PRODUCTS EXPECTED TO HAVE A COLOR-SHIFT LOGO? Pfizer continues to explore and implement new technologies to deter counterfeiting. At this time, Pfizer is considering plans to expand the use of color-shifting ink technology to other Pfizer products. For questions concerning Pfizer prescription products Call 1-800-438-1985.