Anti-Counterfeiting

If patients suspect a counterfeit or tampered product, they should report it to their pharmacy, health care provider and the manufacturer. Patients should also save the medicine so that it can be tested. If you have additional questions or concerns about the safety of any of Lilly’s medicines, please call 1-888-545-5972.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Medicines

Counterfeit medicines are a serious public health risk. They are not inspected by regulatory authorities and are often manufactured illegally in unsanitary conditions. Their sources are unknown, and their contents are disreputable.

Counterfeit medicines pose a danger to patient safety as they may contain toxic ingredients. They are never safe to use and taking them can be fatal.

Unfortunately, the counterfeiting business is growing. Global criminal networks produce and distribute counterfeits in all major therapeutic areas, in all major geographies, and in more than 100 countries. The sales of counterfeit medicines generated an estimated $200 billion in illicit profits in one year alone [2016].

Lilly’s Anti-Counterfeit Initiatives

Lilly is committed to advancing medical innovation while maintaining the best standards of product quality to ensure the safety of patients.

Lilly takes extensive action to safeguard public health. We have an internal Global Anti-Counterfeiting Team who investigate suspected counterfeit Lilly products. Procedures are in place to identify manufacturing and distribution trends to deter illegal activity.

No single entity can stop counterfeiting. That's why Lilly partners with global government-, regulatory- and law enforcement agencies, along with other pharmaceutical companies, to execute a global anti-counterfeiting strategy that maximizes patient safety.

Meanwhile, we support international educational efforts, as well. We have joined forces with non-governmental organizations such as the World Health Organization, World Health Professionals Association and World Customs Organization, to warn patients and health care professionals about the dangers of buying medicines from non-traditional outlets.

The internet aggravates the problem by creating an anonymous, global marketplace for the trade of counterfeit medicines. Alarmingly, nearly 97% of online drug sellers and 62% of medicines purchased online are not legitimate. With the growing technological sophistication and capabilities of today’s counterfeiters, it is imperative that we work together with other organizations to locate counterfeit medicines, detain the criminals responsible and protect patients.

Patient’s Role in Anti-Counterfeiting

Buying through established channels – for instance, obtaining a prescription from a health care professional and filling it at a reputable pharmacy – is the first step to help ensure patients obtain safe products.

Patients should check the packaging and look for any changes in the shape and color of the medicine.

If patients suspect a counterfeit or tampered product, they should report it to their pharmacy, health care provider and the manufacturer. Patients should also save the medicine so that it can be tested. If you have additional questions or concerns about the safety of any of Lilly’s medicines, please call 1-888-545-5972.

Compounded Non-Lilly Medicines

Lilly issued a warning in the United States about unsafe or untested compounded tirzepatide that may put people at risk. Neither Health Canada nor any global regulatory agency has reviewed these products for safety, quality or efficacy. These products may expose patients to serious health risks. If you are concerned you may have received or used a compounded version of one of our medicines, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and options.

What to Know About Compounded and Counterfeit Mounjaro ^®

Compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Health Canada does not verify the safety, effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs, which could lead to patient risk.

Counterfeiting is illegal. It is fake medication (not authentic Mounjaro ^® from Lilly) and may be harmful to your health.

Legitimate Mounjaro ^® is only available from and manufactured by Lilly.

In Canada, Mounjaro ^® is currently only available in a single-dose vial manufactured by Lilly and is not available in any other form.

If someone is concerned that they have received or used compounded or counterfeit tirzepatide or concerned they may have received Mounjaro ^® from an un-authorized source, they should contact their health care provider to discuss options and next steps.

Patients and health care providers are encouraged to report compounded or counterfeit Mounjaro ^® by calling our customer response centre at 1-888-545-5972.

Learn more about compounded and counterfeit medicines at lilly.com

Image of Authentic Mounjaro ^® from Lilly:

Compounded or counterfeit Mounjaro ^® will look different from the authentic branded medication. Knowing what an authentic Mounjaro ^® vial and its labeling/packaging look like can help you avoid counterfeit or compounded medication.

Features :
1. Mounjaro ^® Trademark and Logo
2. Red Lilly Logo

Appropriate Use of Lilly Medicines

Lilly advocates for use of our medicines in therapeutic areas for which we have market authorization. Lilly does not promote or encourage use of Mounjaro ^®, or any Lilly medicines outside of a medicine's Health Canada-approved indication. We will continue to advocate for the appropriate use of our medicines. For example, we've taken a vocal stance that Mounjaro ^® is not approved for cosmetic weight loss.

Responsible Manufacturing and Distribution Processes

Lilly Canada is aware that there are certain online pharmacies operating in Canada who are looking to stockpile available doses of Mounjaro ^® to re-sell at inflated prices and ship the product to the United States. Lilly Canada has enacted a variety of measures to ensure treatment allocated for Canada remains in Canada. These measures include:

Ordering allocations are in place for verified vendors to ensure limited supply is not stockpiled and equitably available among wholesalers and pharmacies.

All verified wholesalers and pharmacies agree not to sell any Lilly drug product to any person believed to sell such Lilly drug product anywhere outside of Canada (i.e., they will not export the product).