Fake Viagra and Cialis drugs seized from c-gas station in Vineland, Ont.
Health Canada announced the seizure of counterfeit Viagra and Cialis products from a Petro-Canada gas station at 4608 Victoria Ave. in Vineland, Ont. This is in addition to several other unauthorised sexual enhancement products seized from the same store.
According to Health Canada, the counterfeit drugs were sold in individual blister packs with no other packaging. Authorized Viagra and Cialis are usually sold with an outer carton and a leaflet outlining the directions for use. Health Canada has confirmed with the authorized manufacturers of Viagra and Cialis that the seized products are counterfeit and that the lot and expiry numbers on the blister packs are not valid.
Retailers and consumers are reminded that counterfeit drugs are made to look like authentic products, but they are not the same and they may not contain the drug at all. They can pose serious health risks if they contain a higher dosage than shown on the label, and could contain contaminants and hidden ingredients.
Unlike authorized and authentic drug products, counterfeit drugs have not been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Selling counterfeit health products is illegal.
Like the authentic versions, the seized products are labelled to contain either the prescription drug sildenafil or tadalafil. Sildenafil and tadalafil should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. They should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerin) as they can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.
READ: Counterfeit erectile dysfunction drugs seized from two convenience stores in Toronto
Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure, and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.
Health Canada reminds consumers that the best way to make sure their prescription drugs are authentic is to buy them from a licensed pharmacy and should be taken only under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. Prescription drugs can only be legally sold to consumers in Canada with a prescription and cannot be sold in convenience stores.
