Health Canada cautions against purchasing or using counterfeit or unauthorized forms of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy. In a public notice released on Wednesday, Health Canada highlighted the potential health risks associated with using unauthorized or fake GLP-1 products, emphasizing that these products have not undergone Health Canada’s safety, effectiveness, or quality assessments. The authorized versions of these medications in Canada include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound injections).
Health Canada has identified numerous retailers across Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, commonly known as “fauxzempic,” both in physical stores and online. Some websites and social media ads have been found to misuse official Health Canada logos and provide false endorsements to deceive consumers.
Unauthorized or counterfeit drugs pose several risks, such as containing incorrect amounts of active ingredients, undisclosed harmful substances, contaminants like solvents or heavy metals, or being improperly labeled or manufactured. Injectable counterfeit products carry additional risks, including infections due to lack of sterility, allergic reactions, and other severe consequences resulting from contamination or unsafe administration.
It is illegal in Canada to sell unauthorized or counterfeit products or make misleading claims about preventing, treating, or curing illnesses. Health Canada also listed potential risks associated with genuine GLP-1 products, including severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems, and low blood sugar, especially when used in combination with other medications.
To safeguard against these risks, Health Canada advises consumers to purchase prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies, avoid unauthorized products, verify Health Canada’s authorization through the Drug Identification Number (DIN), consult healthcare professionals if concerns arise from using unauthorized GLP-1 products, and understand the risks of purchasing drugs online from safe pharmacies. Any suspected counterfeit or unauthorized products should be reported to Health Canada for investigation and potential regulatory actions against sellers.
Health Canada is actively monitoring the market and collaborating with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country. In June 2024, amid shortages, the World Health Organization highlighted the detection of falsified semaglutides in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. in the previous year.