Health Canada cautions against the purchase or use of counterfeit or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy. As interest in GLP-1 products for weight loss rises, individuals might resort to unauthorized or fake products, which could present serious health hazards due to lack of Health Canada assessment for safety, effectiveness, and quality.
Health Canada has approved semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy injections, Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound injections) for use in Canada. Nevertheless, Health Canada has identified multiple retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, sometimes known as “fauxzempic,” both in physical stores and online.
Some retailers misuse official Health Canada logos on websites and social media ads, along with fake endorsements, to deceive consumers. Health Canada emphasizes that it never endorses health products and prohibits the use of its logo in health product advertising or packaging.
Unauthorized or counterfeit drugs pose various risks, including incorrect dosage of active ingredients, presence of dangerous undisclosed substances, contaminants like solvents or heavy metals, improper labeling, and inadequate manufacturing or storage conditions. Injectable unauthorized or counterfeit products carry additional risks such as infections due to lack of sterility, allergic reactions, and other severe consequences due to contamination or unsafe administration.
Selling unauthorized or counterfeit products, or making false claims regarding the prevention, treatment, or cure of illnesses, is illegal in Canada. Health Canada also highlights the risks associated with genuine GLP-1 products, including severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems, and low blood sugar, especially when combined with other medications.
To ensure safety, Health Canada advises consumers to only purchase prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies, avoid unauthorized products, verify Health Canada authorization by checking for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), consult healthcare professionals if concerns arise from using unauthorized GLP-1 products, understand the risks of purchasing drugs online, and report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
Health Canada actively monitors the market and takes action against unauthorized products by seizing them, issuing compliance or warning letters, and preventing unauthorized shipments with the assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency.
In June 2024, amid shortages, the World Health Organization warned about falsified semaglutides detected in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. in the prior year.
