Health Canada warns about online unlicensed pharmacy

Health Canada is warning people about an online pharmacy that claims it is Canadian. Global Pharmacy Canada is not a licensed pharmacy in Canada and its products have not been authorized for sale in the country.

The company responsible for the globalpharmacycanada.com website recently removed Canadian access to it, but some Canadians have already used products purchased from it. A Health Canada statement says: “Health Canada is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to stop the importation of any shipments of www.globalpharmacycanada.com products from entering Canada. Should this company continue to sell unauthorized health products that may pose a risk to Canadians, Health Canada will take appropriate action.” Products which have been authorized for sale by Health Canada have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. CBC News reported that online pharmacies have sold fake drugs, sometimes containing with toxic materials. A CBC News investigation found that there were online pharmacies claiming to be based in Canada which were shipping drugs from India and South Africa. Canadians with questions about drugs purchased over the Internet can call Health Canada at 1-800-267-9675. Suspected adverse reactions to health products can be reported to the Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345, or by completing an online form.