The Importance of Pharmaceutical Markings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that most prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage pills have a unique imprint. This imprint, along with the pill's physical characteristics like size, shape, and color, helps identify the drug, its strength, and the manufacturer. These identifiers are particularly important for controlled substances like Xanax, helping to prevent the use of counterfeit pills, which can be life-threatening. A pill without an imprint could be a counterfeit, dietary supplement, or foreign medication and should be avoided.
Identifying Brand-Name Xanax (Pfizer)
Brand-name Xanax from Pfizer is marked with "XANAX" and the dosage.
- 0.25 mg: White, oval, scored, "XANAX 0.25".
- 0.5 mg: Peach/orange, oval, scored, "XANAX 0.5".
- 1.0 mg: Blue, oval, scored, "XANAX 1.0".
- 2 mg: White, rectangular "bar," multi-scored, "XANAX" on one side and "2" on the other.
Decoding Generic Alprazolam Markings
Generic alprazolam is made by many manufacturers, and the pills vary in appearance and imprints. The 2 mg rectangular bars are common and have diverse markings.
Common Alprazolam Bar (2 mg) Imprints:
- G 372 2: White, rectangular (Greenstone LLC).
- B707: Light blue, rectangular (Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc.).
- R039: Yellow, rectangular, often called a "school bus" (Actavis).
- S 90 3: Green, rectangular, sometimes called a "hulk" (Dava Pharmaceuticals Inc.).
- Y 21: White, rectangular.
Other generic alprazolam dosages and shapes also have specific imprints, such as the blue round "031 R" for 1 mg or the peach oval "G3720" for 0.5 mg.
Comparison of Common Alprazolam Pills
| Dosage | Common Color(s) | Common Shape(s) | Example Imprints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg | White | Oval, Round | XANAX 0.25, 027 R, G3719 |
| 0.5 mg | Peach, Orange | Oval, Round | XANAX 0.5, 029, G3720, Y 19 |
| 1.0 mg | Blue, Yellow (XR) | Oval, Round, Four-sided (XR) | XANAX 1.0, 031 R, G3721, X 1 (XR) |
| 2.0 mg | White, Yellow, Green, Blue | Rectangle ("Bar") | XANAX 2, G 372 2, R039, S 90 3, B707 |
The Life-Threatening Danger of Counterfeit Xanax
Authorities like the DEA have warned about the increase in counterfeit pills made to resemble Xanax. These are often sold illicitly and can contain deadly fentanyl. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, and even a tiny amount can be lethal. Criminal groups create fake pills that mimic the look and markings of real ones. A significant number of seized counterfeit pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Taking benzodiazepines like alprazolam with opioids like fentanyl is extremely dangerous, as both depress the central nervous system and can cause fatal respiratory issues. Illicitly produced pills lack quality control, making it impossible to know their contents or dosage.
Conclusion: Verification is Vital
While knowing pill markings is helpful, it's not enough to guarantee authenticity due to realistic counterfeits. The only way to ensure a medication is safe is to get it through a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Pills from other sources are risky and may contain deadly substances. Never take a pill if you suspect it's fake. Find a licensed pharmacy near you.
