Health Canada Advisory: Counterfeit GLP-1 Products Found in Canada

Health Canada has issued a public advisory warning Canadians against buying unauthorized or counterfeit GLP-1 receptor agonist products, saying it has identified retailers selling such products both in stores and online [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].

What the advisory says

The regulator named semaglutide products including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide products Mounjaro and Zepbound, as the authorized GLP-1 products in Canada [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html]. The department said some websites and social media advertisements misuse official Health Canada logos and display fake endorsements, and stated that Health Canada never endorses a health product and does not allow its logo to be used in advertising or packaging [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].

Risks cited by the regulator

Health Canada said unauthorized or counterfeit products may contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient, and may include unlisted ingredients or contaminants such as solvents, heavy metals, particles, or microbials [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html]. It added that unauthorized injectable products carry additional risks including infections due to lack of sterility, allergic reactions, and other serious negative outcomes from contamination or unsafe administration [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].

Enforcement steps

According to the advisory, Health Canada is actively monitoring the marketplace and is continuing to take action against the sale and advertisement of these products in stores and online, including seizures and the issuance of compliance or warning letters [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html]. The department said it is also working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop unauthorized shipments from entering the country [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].

What Health Canada tells consumers to do

• Only buy prescription drugs from a licensed pharmacy [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].
• Do not buy or use unauthorized products [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].
• Check for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label and search Health Canada's Drug Product Database [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].
• Speak with a healthcare professional if an unauthorized GLP-1 product has been used and there are concerns about health [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html].

Pricing context for authorized products

The advisory comes as authorized GLP-1 pricing in Canada continues to shift. CBC News reported that Canadians currently pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per month for GLP-1 medications [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. Current pharmacy prices listed on GLP1Prices.ca span a wider band: Ozempic ranges from $222 to $663, Wegovy from $270 to $490, Mounjaro from $283.08 to $813, and Zepbound from $276 to $609 per package across verified Canadian pharmacies.

On the manufacturer side, Benefits and Pensions Monitor, citing Reuters and The Globe and Mail, reported that Eli Lilly planned to cut the Canadian list price of a four-week supply of Mounjaro and Zepbound to $300 for the 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses and $420 for the 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses, with the new prices taking effect December 29 [Source: benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/benefits/pharma/eli-lilly-cuts-canadian-obesity-drug-prices/392905]. Both figures sit inside the verified pharmacy price ranges tracked on GLP1Prices.ca.

Why the warning matters now

CBC News reported that Novo Nordisk could effectively lose market exclusivity for semaglutide in Canada in January, likely opening the door to generic versions [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-trumprx-cheaper-insurance-9.6970197]. With heightened consumer interest in lower-cost options, Health Canada said growing interest in GLP-1 products for weight loss has prompted some people to turn to unauthorized or counterfeit products [Source: newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-thinking-about-buying-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-or-mounjaro-beware-of-fake-or-unauthorized-products-844970747.html]. Consumers can verify pharmacy listings using our generic semaglutide tracker, review plan eligibility through the insurance coverage checker, or consult the FAQ.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.