Health Canada Warns of Counterfeit Ozempic, Mounjaro Sellers

Health Canada has issued a public advisory warning Canadians about unauthorized and counterfeit versions of GLP-1 receptor agonist products, including copies purporting to be Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, and telling consumers to buy only from licensed pharmacies.

What the advisory says

The advisory, identification number RA-81518, was published by Health Canada on January 21, 2026 as a public advisory. It states that Health Canada has identified various retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, both in stores and online, and that some websites and social media advertisements misuse official Health Canada logos and display fake endorsements to mislead consumers.

Health Canada notes that it never endorses a health product and does not allow its logo to be used in the advertising or packaging of health products.

Products named

The advisory identifies the affected category as unauthorized and counterfeit versions of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist drugs, referencing semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and tirzepatide products (Mounjaro, Zepbound).

Risks cited by the regulator

According to the advisory, unauthorized or counterfeit drugs may:

• contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient
• contain unlisted, dangerous or unknown ingredients
• contain contaminants such as solvents, heavy metals, particles or microbials
• be poorly or incorrectly labelled, or improperly manufactured or stored

Health Canada also flags additional risks with unauthorized injectable products, including infections due to lack of sterility and allergic reactions.

Enforcement actions underway

Health Canada states it is actively monitoring the marketplace and continuing to take action, including seizures and issuance of compliance or warning letters, against the sale and advertisement of unauthorized products in stores and online. The department adds that it is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop unauthorized shipments from entering the country.

The advisory tells consumers to verify authorized products by checking for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label and searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database.

Market backdrop

The warning lands as demand for GLP-1 products continues to expand. Novo Nordisk chief executive Mike Doustdar told investors the company is serving almost 70 per cent more people compared with a year ago. Eli Lilly reported second-quarter Mounjaro sales of US$9.94 billion, up 91 per cent year over year, with Zepbound sales of US$4.93 billion.

CBC News has reported that Canadians currently pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per month for GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy. That range aligns with current Canadian pharmacy prices tracked on GLP1Prices.ca, where Wegovy listings range roughly $270 to $550 CAD across 93 samples.

What consumers can do

Health Canada's advisory directs Canadians to buy prescription drugs only from a licensed pharmacy, avoid unauthorized products, and speak with a healthcare professional if they have used an unauthorized GLP-1 product and have concerns. Canadians comparing authorized brands and pharmacy pricing can also consult the GLP1Prices.ca generic semaglutide tracker, insurance coverage checker, and FAQ.

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

Sources

• Thinking about buying GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro ...
• GLP-1 drugs are driving higher sales for Eli Lilly and Novo ...
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