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  • How To Identify Real T259 Pills From Counterfeit Versions

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    How To Identify Real T259 Pills From Counterfeit Versions

    Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid/opiate drug that has been used in both brand-name and generic medications for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including chronic pain and back pain. 

    This includes Norco and generic equivalents like T259 pills. These medications contain both hydrocodone bitartrate and the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol).

    Although generic versions of Norco and other hydrocodone analgesics (including brand names Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, and Tussionex) are used in modern medicine, they are also sometimes faked and counterfeited using fentanyl and other dangerous ingredients.

    Identifying Real Vs. Counterfeit T259 Pills

    Law enforcement professionals are able to identify fake T259 pills based on the physical characteristics of the medication, its packaging, and laboratory testing. 

    However, given the variety of tablet shapes, sizes, colorations, and markings, it is not reasonable to expect to identify real vs. fake prescription drugs based on physical properties alone.

    Even experts struggle to tell the difference between well-made fakes and authentic drugs without lab testing. The only safe option is to only use medication that has been prescribed to you, to obtain it from an authentic pharmacy, and to use it exactly as prescribed.

    Pill Identifier: Authentic T259 Tablets

    T259 pills are a generic version of Norco also made with the active ingredients acetaminophen/hydrocodone. They are produced by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and are referenced by their unique pill imprint code “T 259” or simply referred to as generic Norco.

    What Do Real T259 Pills Look Like?

    These yellow or off-white capsule-shaped oblong tablets have a grooved reverse side and contain 325 mg acetaminophen and 10 mg hydrocodone. They are intended for oral use.

    As an opioid pain medication, T259 pills are strictly regulated by the FDA and DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance, which is the strictest legal classification for a non-illicit prescription drug. 

    Acetaminophen/hydrocodone painkiller medications can only be legally obtained from a pharmacy with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. 

    Counterfeit T259 Tablets

    Hydrocodone medications and other opioids like oxycodone, codeine, and oxymorphone are habit-forming and prone to abuse and addiction. As a result, there is significant street demand for opioid painkillers, including T259 pills.

    Some illicit drug producers, traffickers, and dealers have exploited this demand by introducing counterfeit versions of hydrocodone combination medications. These fake drugs closely resemble the authentic, pharmaceutical painkillers but may be produced with dangerous ingredients.

    Incidences Of Counterfeit T259 Pills

    In one 2016 example from San Francisco, a batch of counterfeit medications made with the imprint M 367 (referencing Norco, equivalent to tablets with imprint T 259) triggered a cluster 12 fatal and 40 non-fatal overdoses. 

    Another 2017 cluster in Sacramento led to at least one death and 42 additional opioid-related hospitalizations. In both cases, the illicit drugs were made with a combination of illicit fentanyl and the experimental “designer” opioid U-47700.

    Dangers Of Counterfeit T259 Tablets

    All counterfeit prescription drugs are inherently dangerous. They may cause overdose, unexpected drug interactions, sudden death, and critical medical emergencies.

    If a fake medication does not cause an immediate physical reaction, there are still risks. For instance, if the drug is made with the wrong active ingredients, it may leave medical conditions like chronic pain unmanaged or worsen a person’s overall physical or mental condition.

    Otherwise, casually abusing counterfeit street drugs can lead to reinforcement and the rapid development of physical dependence and drug addiction.

    Increased Side Effects Of Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Medications

    With a counterfeit pill, typical side effects may be worsened due to the unknown properties of the drug. Potential side effects that may be worsened with counterfeit hydrocodone products include:

    • drowsiness/sleepiness
    • mood changes
    • dizziness
    • heartburn
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • constipation
    • anxiety
    • skin rash

    Other serious side effects, drug interactions, and allergic reactions may also occur.

    If you or a loved one live with drug addiction and need help, please contact Ark Behavioral Health to learn about our inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2025 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Article Sources

    Annals Of Emergency Medicine - Fentanyl and a Novel Synthetic Opioid U-47700 Masquerading as Street “Norco” in Central California: A Case Report
    Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Counterfeit Pills
    KCRA CHANNEL 3 SACRAMENTO - Another death, more overdoses from fake Norco pills
    National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Hydrocodone Combination Products

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