Health Canada Issues Alert Over Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

Health Canada has issued a public warning regarding counterfeit Viagra and Cialis tablets that may have been distributed to retailers across southern Ontario, including the Region of Waterloo. The federal health agency reported that the fake Cialis (20 mg tadalafil tablets) and Viagra (100 mg sildenafil tablets) were seized from **Bitco Distribution** in Mississauga. While the company could not specify the exact retail locations that received these products, Health Canada believes distribution was limited to retailers in southern Ontario, notably in the **Greater Toronto Area (GTA)**, **Mississauga**, **Hamilton**, **Niagara Falls**, and **Waterloo**.

The counterfeit Cialis tablets have an expiry date of **April 2028** and a lot number of **05668**. In contrast, the Viagra tablets are marked with an expiry date of **March 1, 2026**, a lot number of **07R0064A**, and a National Drug Code of **0069-4220-30**. Health Canada noted that despite the Viagra products including a National Drug Code, which might mislead retailers into believing the product was authorized in the United States, the manufacturer has confirmed it is counterfeit. Similarly, the manufacturer of Cialis has verified that the seized products are not genuine.

Selling counterfeit health products in Canada is illegal, and Health Canada cautions that these imitation pills are designed to resemble authentic products but may pose significant health risks. The agency emphasizes that these counterfeit tablets have not undergone any assessment for safety, efficacy, or quality. There is a possibility that they could contain no active ingredients, higher dosages than stated, or dangerous contaminants.

“Like the authentic version, the counterfeit products are labelled to contain the prescription drug sildenafil or tadalafil,” the advisory stated. Health Canada warns that these medications should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. They should not be taken by individuals using any form of nitrate medication, such as **nitroglycerin**, due to the risk of potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. People with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Additional side effects may include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.

Health Canada strongly advises anyone who has purchased or used these counterfeit products to cease usage immediately and dispose of them safely. Those experiencing health issues after taking these pills are urged to consult a healthcare professional. The agency also encourages the public to report any adverse reactions or complaints related to health products directly to Health Canada.

In light of this incident, consumers are reminded to exercise caution when purchasing medications and to ensure they are obtaining products from reputable and verified sources.