Health Canada warns about counterfeit or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs
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Health Canada is warning people not to buy or use counterfeit or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Vegovy.
Health Canada said in a public advisory Wednesday that as interest in GLP-1 products grows For weight loss, “some people may turn to authorized or counterfeit products, which may pose serious health risks because they have not been evaluated by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness or quality.”
The versions of the drug authorized for use in Canada are semaglutide (Ozempic and Vegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirazepate (Monjaro and Zepbound injection).
But Health Canada said it has identified various retailers in Canada that are selling unauthorized GLP-1 products — sometimes called “fauxzempic” — both in stores and online.
Some websites and social media advertisements also Abuse the official Health Canada logo and display fake endorsements to mislead consumers.
The public advisory states, “Health Canada never endorses any health product and does not allow its logo to be used in the advertising or packaging of health products.”
unauthorized or counterfeit medicines carry many risks, including:
- It contains too much, too little or no active ingredient.
- Containing unlisted, dangerous or unknown ingredients.
- Including contaminants such as solvents, heavy metals, particles (fibers, glass, plastics), or microbial (bacteria, fungi, endotoxins).
- Being spoiled or mislabeled.
- Improperly manufactured or stored.
Health Canada said unauthorized or counterfeit injectable products carry even greater risks, such as infection, allergic reaction due to lack of sterility, and other serious negative outcomes due to contamination, improper handling or unsafe administration.
It is illegal in Canada to sell unauthorized or counterfeit products or make false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure diseases.
The World Health Organization has issued its first guidelines for the use of GLP-1, such as Ozempic, to treat obesity. The National’s Erica Johnson asked Dr. Daniel Drucker – whose research helped lead to the development of these drugs – about the significance of the announcement and the key things to consider when using GLP-1 for weight loss.
Health Canada also lists known risks associated with the use of genuine GLP-1 products, including serious gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, worsening kidney injury and low blood sugar, especially when combined with other medications.
The regulator advises people:
- Buy prescription medications only from a licensed pharmacy.
- Do not buy or use unauthorized products.
- Look for medicines authorized by Health Canada by checking the eight-digit drug identification number (DIN) on the label and searching Health Canada. pharmaceutical product database.
- If you have used an unauthorized GLP-1 product and are concerned about your health, talk to your health care professional.
- Know its dangers buying medicines on the internet and know how to Choose a Safe Online Pharmacy.
- Report any health product related side effects Or complaintsIncluding counterfeit and unauthorized products suspected by Health Canada.
The regulator said this Actively monitoring the market. It can take action by seizing products, and by sending non-compliance or warning letters against the sale and advertising of these products in stores and online.
Health Canada said it is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country.
Amid shortage in June 2024, World Health Organization warned of false semaglutides Last year it was detected in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States.
