Health Canada Warns of Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis in Ontario

Health Canada has issued a warning regarding counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets that may have been distributed to retailers across southern Ontario, particularly in the Region of Waterloo. The federal health agency confirmed that the fraudulent products were seized from **Bitco Distribution** in Mississauga. While the specific retail locations that received these counterfeit medications remain unidentified, Health Canada believes the distribution is limited to various areas, including the **Greater Toronto Area**, **Mississauga**, **Hamilton**, **Niagara Falls**, and **Waterloo**.

The counterfeit Cialis tablets contain **20 mg of tadalafil** and are marked with an expiry date of **April 2028** and lot number **05668**. The fake Viagra tablets, which contain **100 mg of sildenafil**, have an expiry date of **March 1, 2026**, lot number **07R0064A**, and National Drug Code **0069-4220-30**.

In a public advisory, Health Canada noted, “Although the Viagra products include a National Drug Code (NDC), which might lead retailers to believe that this product was authorized in the United States, the manufacturer has confirmed that the product is counterfeit.” Similarly, the manufacturer of Cialis has also verified that the seized product is not authentic.

Selling counterfeit health products is illegal in Canada, and Health Canada has emphasized that these fake medications are designed to mimic legitimate products. However, they may pose serious health risks as they have not undergone assessments for safety, efficacy, or quality. The counterfeit pills might contain no active ingredients, higher dosages than indicated, or dangerous contaminants.

The advisory elaborated that, “Like the authentic version, the counterfeit products are labelled to contain the prescription drug sildenafil or tadalafil.” Both sildenafil and tadalafil should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. They should not be taken by individuals using nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerin, as this combination can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.

Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are at an increased risk for cardiovascular side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects may include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, and vision or hearing loss.

Health Canada urges anyone who has purchased or used these counterfeit products to stop immediately and dispose of them safely. Those experiencing health concerns after taking the pills are strongly advised to consult a healthcare professional. Moreover, the agency encourages the public to report any adverse reactions to health-related products or complaints to Health Canada.

As this incident highlights significant public health risks, it serves as a reminder of the importance of obtaining medications from reputable sources.