Global Citizenship

Global Product Protection

Counterfeiting, illegal diversion and theft of Abbott products globally pose threats to Abbott’s patients, consumers and the general public. We have four key strategies to address these threats:

• Secure the Supply Chain. By analyzing the global supply chain for weak points, evaluating track and trace technologies and expanding the use of Exclusive Sourcing Agreements with contracted wholesalers, Abbott reduces the possibility of product diversion and/or theft.
• Ensure Ability to Authenticate. By developing overt and covert security features on packaging, Abbott presents significant barriers to counterfeiters and facilitates authentication of its products, encouraging customer confidence.
• Disrupt Criminal Organizations. By building relationships with local law enforcement and regulatory organizations, Abbott works to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises involved in counterfeiting, diversion and theft.
• Build Global Momentum. By working with government, industry and not-for-profit organizations, Abbott pursues stricter sanctions for individuals and organizations involved in counterfeiting, diversion or theft.

Exclusive Sourcing Policy

The safety and integrity of Abbott products for the patients we serve is our highest priority. Abbott understands that the threat posed to public health and safety by counterfeit products is a very serious one. We regularly take action to keep counterfeit products out of the marketplace. Secondary market products are generally products purchased from any source other than from the original manufacturer and are commonly referred to as “secondary market,” “gray market” or “diverted” products. It is often through the secondary market that counterfeit, adulterated or improperly stored and handled products make their way into the distribution channel. When product comes from the secondary market, it is difficult to assure patients and health care professionals of the product's quality or safety or to provide product updates.

Through the exclusive sourcing initiative, Abbott is working to prevent the introduction of unsafe product into the United States. As of July 1, 2004, wholesale distribution of Abbott pharmaceutical and diabetes care products is permitted only through wholesalers/distributors that have agreed to source their entire product needs directly from Abbott.

ESA Amendment for Vicodin-Class Products

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has stated that "rogue" Internet websites are the number one source of abused combination hydrocodone products. Our goal is to prevent the sale of our Vicodin-class products through these rogue Internet sites, while preserving the ability to fill and refill legitimate prescriptions, issued within the context of bona fide physician-patient relationships, using on-line technology.

For additional Information, please see the following resources:

Questions and answers regarding these agreements

Letters required for signature for any wholesaler/distributor to purchase:

Standard Terms and Conditions

Product Authentications

Abbott is committed to reducing the serious threat of counterfeit products. Included in this effort is the development of overt and covert product security features. One way Abbott provides information on these features to the marketplace is through product security flyers.

U.S. Product Security Fliers (overt security features on the packaging)

Note: These Product Security Fliers highlight overt security features on the packaging. Although individual packaging configurations for the products may differ, the security features will remain the same.

Outside United States Product Security Fliers (overt security features on the packaging)

Note: These Product Security Fliers highlight overt security features on the packaging. Although individual packaging configurations for the products may differ, the security features will remain the same.

Related Links

For additional information on VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites),

All suspicions or leads on potential counterfeit, diverted or stolen Abbott product should be reported to Abbott Global Product Protection, D-GS27 Building J48, 200 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064. Or call (847) 936-5959.