Health Canada Warns of Fake Ozempic and Mounjaro Sales in Canada 2026

Health Canada has issued a public advisory warning Canadians about retailers selling unauthorized and counterfeit versions of popular GLP-1 medications including semaglutide and tirzepatide across the country.

The federal regulator announced on January 21, 2026 that it has identified various retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products both in physical stores and online, following growing interest in these medications among Canadian consumers.

Fake Health Canada Endorsements Discovered

According to the advisory, some websites and social media advertisements are misusing official Health Canada logos and displaying fake endorsements to mislead consumers. The regulator emphasized that Health Canada never endorses any health product and does not permit its logo to be used in advertising or packaging of health products.

The unauthorized products identified include versions of semaglutide medications such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide products including Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Safety Risks of Unauthorized Products

Health Canada outlined significant safety risks associated with unauthorized or counterfeit drugs, including:

• Products may contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient
• Presence of unlisted, dangerous, or unknown ingredients
• Contamination with harmful substances
• Lack of safety, effectiveness, or quality assessment by Health Canada

Regulatory Status of Authorized GLP-1 Drugs

Health Canada maintains regulatory approval for specific GLP-1 medications through licensed manufacturers. Authorized semaglutide products include Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (0.5mg/mL, 1.0mg/mL, 2.0mg/mL pre-filled pens), Wegovy (0.68mg/mL, 1.36mg/mL, 2.04mg/mL, 2.72mg/mL pre-filled pens), and Rybelsus (3mg, 7mg, 14mg tablets).

For tirzepatide, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro is available in 2.5mg/mL, 5mg/mL, 7.5mg/mL, 10mg/mL, 12.5mg/mL, and 15mg/mL pre-filled pens, while Zepbound offers 2.5mg/mL, 5mg/mL, 7.5mg/mL, 10mg/mL, 12.5mg/mL, and 15mg/mL strengths.

Licensed Pharmacy Requirements

Health Canada strongly advises Canadians to only purchase prescription medications from licensed pharmacies. Major licensed pharmacy chains in Canada include Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, and Rexall, which maintain proper storage, handling, and dispensing protocols for GLP-1 medications.

The regulator's advisory comes as demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow across Canada, with recent surveys indicating approximately three million Canadian adults are currently using these prescription drugs.

Verification Resources Available

Canadians seeking to verify authorized GLP-1 medications and pricing can use resources such as the generic semaglutide tracker and insurance coverage checker. Additional safety information is available through Health Canada's drug database and the FAQ section covering regulatory compliance.

The timing of this advisory coincides with ongoing Health Canada reviews of nine generic semaglutide applications, with approvals potentially coming in the third quarter of 2026 following the expiration of regulatory exclusivity for semaglutide in January 2026.

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