Health Canada cautions against the purchase or use of counterfeit or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. As interest in GLP-1 products for weight loss rises, some individuals might opt for unauthorized or fake products, which can pose significant health risks since they have not undergone Health Canada’s safety, effectiveness, or quality evaluations.
The authorized versions of these medications in Canada are semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound injections). However, Health Canada has identified multiple retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, sometimes referred to as “fauxzempic,” both in physical stores and online.
Certain websites and social media ads misuse official Health Canada logos and fake endorsements to deceive consumers. Health Canada emphasizes that it never endorses health products and prohibits the use of its logo in the promotion or packaging of health products.
Counterfeit or unauthorized drugs carry various risks, such as incorrect dosage levels, undisclosed harmful ingredients, contaminants like solvents or microbials, improper labeling, and inadequate manufacturing or storage practices. Injectable unauthorized products carry additional risks like infections due to lack of sterility, allergic reactions, and other serious complications due to contamination or unsafe administration.
Selling unauthorized or counterfeit products or making false claims to treat illnesses is illegal in Canada. Health Canada highlights the risks associated with genuine GLP-1 products, including severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, worsening kidney function, and low blood sugar, especially when combined with other medications.
To stay safe, Health Canada advises individuals to purchase prescription drugs only from licensed pharmacies, avoid unauthorized products, verify Health Canada’s approval by checking for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label, consult a healthcare professional if concerns arise from using unauthorized GLP-1 products, be cautious when buying drugs online, and report any adverse effects or complaints to Health Canada.
The regulator is actively monitoring the market and can take enforcement actions against the sale and advertising of unauthorized products. Health Canada collaborates with the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent unauthorized shipments from entering the country.
In June 2024, amid shortages, the World Health Organization issued a warning about falsified semaglutides found in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. the previous year.