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Fake Ozempic Risks: Health Canada Issues Warning
22 Jan
Summary
- Unauthorized GLP-1 drugs pose risks of wrong dosages or dangerous ingredients.
- Counterfeit injectables may cause infections and serious adverse reactions.
- Health Canada urges buying prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies.
Health Canada has issued a strong public advisory cautioning consumers against the purchase and use of unauthorized or counterfeit versions of GLP-1 drugs, including those used for weight loss.
These illicit products, sometimes marketed as 'fauxzempic,' have not undergone Health Canada's rigorous assessment for safety, effectiveness, or quality. They carry significant health risks, such as incorrect dosages, the presence of unlisted dangerous ingredients, or contamination with heavy metals and microbes.
Injectable counterfeit drugs present even greater dangers, including infections due to a lack of sterility and severe allergic reactions from contaminants. Selling such unauthorized products and making false health claims is illegal in Canada.
Health Canada recommends purchasing prescription drugs exclusively from licensed pharmacies and checking for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on drug labels. Individuals who have used unauthorized GLP-1 products are urged to speak with their healthcare provider.
