The Significance of Pill Imprints
Identifying a pill by its imprint is a crucial safety measure for any patient. The imprint, which is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, serves several important purposes. It helps differentiate between different drugs, allows pharmacists to verify prescriptions, and helps in the event of an emergency, such as an accidental ingestion or overdose. For medications produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals, the "TEVA" imprint acts as a brand signature, indicating the manufacturer, while an accompanying number or set of numbers identifies the specific drug and its dosage.
How to Use a Pill Identifier
When trying to identify a pill with the "TEVA" imprint, combining the visual characteristics with an online pill identifier tool can provide confirmation. This process typically involves entering the imprint code (e.g., "TEVA 833"), describing the pill's color and shape, and then comparing the resulting images to the pill in question. Always double-check the information with a trusted medical resource to ensure accuracy.
Common Medications with a 'Teva' Imprint
As one of the world's leading generic drug producers, Teva manufactures a wide variety of medications across numerous therapeutic classes. Here are some of the most frequently searched-for pills that say Teva:
Clonazepam (Generic Klonopin)
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorders and control seizures. Teva manufactures several strengths of this medication, each with a unique imprint, color, and shape:
- TEVA 832: This is a 0.5 mg tablet, which is typically round and yellow.
- TEVA 833: A 1 mg tablet that is round and mottled green.
- TEVA 834: The 2 mg tablet is round and white or off-white.
Diazepam (Generic Valium)
Another benzodiazepine, diazepam, is used for anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Teva produces this medication in various forms:
- TEVA 3926: A 5 mg tablet that is round and yellow.
- TEVA 3927: A 10 mg tablet that is round and blue.
Metformin (Generic Glucophage)
Metformin is a common oral medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. Teva's version is identified by its imprint and appearance:
- TEVA 3109: A 500 mg tablet, which is round and white.
Buspirone (Generic Buspar)
Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used to treat anxiety. Teva's version is distinct:
- TEVA 54: A 10 mg tablet that is round and white.
Zolpidem (Generic Ambien)
Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Teva's medication for sleep is identified as:
- TEVA 74: A 10 mg tablet that is round and white.
Teva's Quality and Manufacturing Standards
Teva is not only the largest generic manufacturer but also emphasizes its commitment to safety and quality. Generic drugs produced by Teva are required to meet the same stringent quality, strength, and safety standards as their brand-name counterparts. They contain the same active ingredients but are significantly more affordable, making quality health care more accessible to millions of people globally. Teva's manufacturing facilities are routinely assessed by regulatory bodies like the FDA to ensure compliance with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines.
Comparison Table: Identifying Common Teva Pills
| Pill Imprint | Active Ingredient | Dosage | Color | Shape | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEVA 832 | Clonazepam | 0.5 mg | Yellow | Round | Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Seizures |
| TEVA 833 | Clonazepam | 1 mg | Green | Round | Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Seizures |
| TEVA 834 | Clonazepam | 2 mg | White | Round | Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Seizures |
| TEVA 3926 | Diazepam | 5 mg | Yellow | Round | Anxiety, Muscle Spasms, Seizures |
| TEVA 3927 | Diazepam | 10 mg | Blue | Round | Anxiety, Muscle Spasms, Seizures |
| TEVA 3109 | Metformin | 500 mg | White | Round | Type 2 Diabetes |
| TEVA 54 | Buspirone HCl | 10 mg | White | Round | Anxiety |
| TEVA 74 | Zolpidem Tartrate | 10 mg | White | Round | Insomnia |
| TEVA 5312 | Hydrocodone/APAP | 10/325 mg | White | Oblong | Moderate to Severe Pain |
Important Safety Information
When dealing with any medication, especially controlled substances, safety is paramount. Several medications mentioned, like clonazepam and diazepam, are benzodiazepines, which are Schedule IV controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependence.
Here are some essential safety precautions:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always take medication exactly as prescribed and consult your doctor before stopping or changing your dosage.
- Be Aware of Interactions: Do not mix benzodiazepines with alcohol or other CNS depressants, as this can increase the risk of dangerous side effects like extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression.
- Monitor Side Effects: Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.
- Keep Medication Secure: Store controlled substances in a safe place to prevent misuse or theft.
Conclusion
Understanding what pill says Teva and recognizing its specific imprint is a vital aspect of medication management for millions of patients. Teva Pharmaceuticals manufactures a vast portfolio of affordable, quality generics that are bioequivalent to their brand-name versions. While this guide helps identify some of the most common Teva medications, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always verify your medication with your pharmacist or doctor, especially when dealing with controlled substances, to ensure proper use and safety. For further visual confirmation, a resource like Drugs.com's Pill Identifier can be a helpful tool.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your medication.
