Unauthorized drugs seized from Rabais 4Saisons Inc. in Montreal, QC, may pose serious health risks

Issue

Health Canada has seized several unauthorized drugs (including an oral emergency contraceptive drug, erectile dysfunction drugs, and antibiotic and antiparasitic drugs) from Rabais 4Saisons Inc. (5321 rue de Charleroi), in Montreal, Quebec, because they may pose serious health risks. Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal. Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality and may pose serious health risks. For example, they may lack active ingredients, vary in their concentration or contain ingredients, additives or contaminated ingredients not listed on the label that could interact with other medications and foods. Many of the seized products are unauthorized versions of prescription drugs available in Canada. Prescription drugs should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional because they are used to treat specific conditions and may cause serious side effects. Several of the products are not labelled in English and French as required in Canada. As a result, information about ingredients, usage, dosage and side effects may not be available to or understood by consumers. Health Canada acts to protect public health and safety when companies are found to be selling unauthorized health products in Canada, including warning consumers when warranted. The Department also works with the Canada Border Services Agency to help prevent the import of any unauthorized health products.

What you should do

• Do not buy or use unauthorized health products.
• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional (physician, nurse practitioner, pharmacist) if you have used these products and have health concerns.
• Check if your health products are authorized. Authorized health products have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM). You can also check whether products are authorized for sale by searching Health Canada's Drug Product Database or Licensed Natural Health Products Database.
• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.