Health Canada issued a caution against the purchase or utilization of counterfeit or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy. As demand rises for GLP-1 products for weight management, individuals may resort to unauthorized or fake products, putting their health at risk since these items have not undergone Health Canada’s safety, efficacy, or quality assessments.
Authorized versions of these medications in Canada are semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound injections). Health Canada identified several Canadian retailers selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, sometimes known as “fauxzempic,” both in physical stores and online. Some websites and social media ads misuse official Health Canada logos and feature false endorsements to deceive consumers.
Counterfeit drugs pose significant risks, including incorrect dosage of active ingredients, undisclosed harmful substances, contaminants like solvents and heavy metals, mislabeling, and improper manufacturing or storage. Injectable counterfeit products carry additional risks such as infections due to lack of sterility, allergic reactions, and other severe consequences due to contamination or improper administration.
Selling unauthorized or counterfeit products or making false health claims is illegal in Canada. Health Canada highlighted possible risks associated with genuine GLP-1 products, such as severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, worsening kidney function, and low blood sugar, especially when combined with other medications.
To ensure safety, individuals are advised to purchase prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies, avoid unauthorized products, check for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on labels, consult healthcare professionals if concerns arise from using unauthorized GLP-1 products, beware of risks when buying drugs online, and report any suspected counterfeit products or side effects to Health Canada.
Health Canada is actively monitoring the market, taking actions like seizing products and issuing compliance or warning notices against the sale and promotion of unauthorized products. The regulatory body collaborates with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country. In June 2024, the World Health Organization raised concerns about falsified semaglutides discovered in various countries, including Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
