A warning has been issued by Health Canada about GLP-1 drugs more commonly known by their brand names such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

Health Canada is telling Canadians to beware of fake or unauthorized products.

GLP-1 drugs are used to treat diabetes but are also used as weight loss drugs. Health Canada says unauthorized or counterfeit products could pose serious health risks because they haven’t been assessed by Health Canada for safety effectiveness or quality.

In fact, Health Canada has identified various retailers in Canada selling unauthorized GLP-1 products, both in stores and online with some websites and social media advertisements misusing official Health Canada logos and display fake endorsements to mislead consumers.

Health Canada never endorses a health product and does not allow its logo to be used in the advertising or packaging of health products. And in Canada, only licensed pharmacies can legally sell prescription drugs.