Health Canada has issued a warning against the purchase and use of unauthorized injectable peptide drugs that claim to address various body concerns and promote wellness. These drugs are often falsely marketed for weight loss, anti-aging, bodybuilding, and general well-being. Peptides in Canada are classified as prescription drugs requiring doctor approval for specific medical conditions.
The unauthorized peptide drugs, commonly sold online, carry significant risks such as liver or kidney damage, blood clots, cancerous tumors, infections, allergic reactions, contamination, or improper manufacturing. Health Canada has seized multiple types of unauthorized injectable peptide drugs, including BPC-157, CJC-1295, DSIP, Epitalon, GHK-Cu, HGH, HGH Fragment, Ipamorelin, Melanotan I and II, SS-31, Thymosin-β4 (TB4 or TB-500), and Retatrutide, with more unregulated drugs likely circulating.
It is emphasized by Health Canada that only medications prescribed by healthcare professionals and dispensed by licensed pharmacies should be used. Individuals experiencing adverse effects from unauthorized peptides are advised to seek medical assistance and report the incident to Health Canada.
Legal drugs in Canada are identifiable by an eight-digit drug identification number on the label, as listed in Health Canada’s Drug Product Database. Despite some drugs being labeled for research purposes only, Health Canada asserts that this does not exempt them from regulatory compliance. The agency is collaborating with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent unauthorized drug shipments from entering the country.
CBC News has contacted Health Canada for additional input on this matter.
