Unauthorized and counterfeit health products seized at Thumbs Up 4 Shiatsu in Mississauga may pose serious health risks

Issue

Health Canada is warning consumers about multiple unauthorized and counterfeit health products seized at Thumbs Up 4 Shiatsu in Mississauga, Ontario. Health Canada has not authorized any of the health products that were seized, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy and quality. Selling unauthorized or counterfeit health products is illegal. The seized products, including injectables are labelled to contain prescription or other drug ingredients. These products may have been sold or administered for pain management, hair loss, weight management or other cosmetic purposes. Counterfeit drugs are made to look like authentic products, but they are not the same and they may not contain the drug at all. Though some of the counterfeit products are labelled with DINs, which may lead consumers to believe the products were authorized, the manufacturer of Mounjaro has confirmed that the seized products are counterfeit. The best way to make sure your prescription drugs are authentic is to buy them from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription from a healthcare professional. Prescription drugs cannot be sold outside of a licensed pharmacy and should only be taken under the care of a healthcare professional because they are used to treat specific health conditions and may pose serious health risks. Unauthorized or counterfeit health products may: Interact with other medications an individual might be taking. Contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient. Contain high-risk ingredients, additives, or contaminants that may or may not be listed on the label. Have not been manufactured or stored safely. Unauthorized or counterfeit injectable drugs carry additional risks, including infections, scarring, allergic reactions, and other serious adverse outcomes due to contamination, improper handling, or unsafe administration. Should additional safety concerns be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action to protect public health and safety.

What you should do

• Do not buy or use unauthorized or counterfeit health products. When receiving cosmetic treatments, read product labels (or ask your healthcare professional to show you the product label) to confirm a product has been authorized for sale by Health Canada. Authorized health products have an eight-digit DIN, Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database, Licensed Natural Health Product Database or the Medical Devices Active Licences Listing (MDALL).
• You can also check whether products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database, Licensed Natural Health Product Database or the Medical Devices Active Licences Listing (MDALL).
• Only buy prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies.
• Consult a licensed healthcare professional (physician, nurse practitioner, pharmacist) if you have been administered or have used unauthorized health products and have health concerns.
• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.
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• Buying drugs over the Internet
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• Safe Use of Bodybuilding Products - Canada.ca
• Buying medical devices from internet