Unauthorized pharmaceuticals could potentially harm your health, Health Canada cautions against their purchase and use
Health Canada has issued a warning regarding serious health risks associated with unauthorized fitness products sold online, specifically highlighting the dangers of using unauthorized injectable peptide drugs.
The advisory, published on Friday, lists a number of unauthorized products, including LL-37, Melanotan 1, and Thymosin-β4 (TB4 or TB-500). Using these products can lead to infections, allergic reactions, and dangerous interactions with other medications an individual might be taking.
The warning also emphasizes the risk of exposure to unknown, unlisted ingredients, additives, or contaminants that may pose further health hazards. These products may not meet the safety, quality, and efficacy standards expected of authorized prescription drugs.
Health Canada regulates these peptides as prescription drugs and unauthorized versions should not be purchased or used. The presence of unverified components and improper handling increases the risk of serious adverse events beyond the intended effects of the peptides themselves.
For those who have used such products, Health Canada recommends consulting a healthcare professional about any concerns and disposing of remaining products through proper hazardous waste protocols or returning them to pharmacies. Authorized products can be identified by a Health Canada Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN), or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
Individuals can also search Health Canada's Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database to check if a product has been authorized for sale. The advisory mentions seizures of unauthorized injectable peptide drugs, often used for bodybuilding, anti-aging, or enhancing athletic performance. Affected products were sold on the website "Canada Peptide," which was down for maintenance as of Sunday afternoon.
Health Canada has not authorized any of the products that were seized or sold on the company's website. The advisory advises individuals not to buy or use unauthorized drugs and to only purchase prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies.
[1] Health Canada. (2022). Unauthorized fitness products pose serious health risks. Retrieved from https://healthcanada.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2022/2022_064-2_en.php [4] Health Canada. (2022). Unauthorized fitness products pose serious health risks: Update. Retrieved from https://healthcanada.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2022/2022_089-2_en.php [5] Health Canada. (2022). Unauthorized fitness products pose serious health risks: Update 2. Retrieved from https://healthcanada.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2022/2022_103-2_en.php
- The advisory by Health Canada reveals that unauthorized fitness products, such as LL-37, Melanotan 1, and Thymosin-β4 (TB4 or TB-500), pose serious health risks, including infections, allergic reactions, and potential interactions with other medications.
- Health Canada regulates these unauthorized peptides as prescription drugs and strongly urges against purchasing or using them, because their unverified components and improper handling may lead to serious adverse events.
- To ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of health-and-wellness products, it's recommended to consult mental-health professionals, dispose of unauthorized products through proper hazardous waste protocols, and verify the authorization of products by checking their Health Canada Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN), or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
