Health Canada warns about fake or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs – CBC

Health Canada says it has found retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products

Jan 21, 2026

Health Canada is warning people not to buy or use fake or unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

In a public advisory on Wednesday, Health Canada said that as interest grows in GLP-1 products for weight loss, “some people may turn to unauthorized or counterfeit products, which could pose serious health risks because they have not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness, or quality.”

The versions of the medications authorized for use in Canada are semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy injections and Rybelsus oral tablets) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound injections).

But Health Canada said it has identified various retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products — sometimes referred to as “fauxzempic” — both in stores and online.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-health-canada-counterfeit-9.7054857