Think twice before injecting peptides bought online: unauthorized products can seriously harm you

Health Canada is warning consumers about the serious health risks of using unauthorized injectable peptide drugs. These products can change how your body works and are often promoted online and on social media for “anti-aging”, weight loss, bodybuilding, athletic performance, injury recovery, sleep, mental focus, or general “wellness”.

In Canada, peptides are generally regulated as prescription drugs. Authorized peptide drugs should only be used under the care of a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor, to treat specific conditions. Health Canada reminds consumers that decisions about prescription medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional and should only be purchased from a licensed pharmacy.

Unauthorized drug products are illegal in Canada and have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality by Health Canada. They have not been demonstrated, through scientific trials, to provide the health benefits that they claim.

Consumers taking unauthorized peptide drugs are exposed to a variety of risks, including, but not limited to, hormonal imbalance, mood swings, blood sugar imbalance, liver or kidney damage, blood clots, and growth of cancerous tumours.

Unauthorized drugs may also:

lead to infections, allergic reactions, and other serious complications

contain too much, too little, or none of the active ingredient

contain unlisted, dangerous or unknown ingredients

contain contaminants, such as solvents, heavy metals, particles (fibers, glass, plastic), or microbials (bacteria, fungi, endotoxins)

be poorly or incorrectly labelled

be improperly manufactured or stored

interact with other medications or health products you may be taking.

Health Canada continues to identify products marketed as “For Research Use Only – Not for Human Consumption.” This type of labelling does not make these products legal or exempt from regulatory requirements. Canadians are advised not to buy or use products labelled in this way.

Health Canada has seized several unauthorized injectable peptide drugs and is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop unauthorized shipments from entering the country.

Should additional safety concerns be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians and communicate updates, if needed.