Protect yourself against counterfeit, fake, and unsafe or untested compounded products

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The risks of counterfeit and compounded medicine

As a medicine company, we believe that everyone who needs medicine deserves real medicine. That’s why we make medicine that is clinically tested and evaluated by regulators for safety and effectiveness.
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Types of inauthentic
medicine

We want to make sure you have the information you need to protect yourself against counterfeit, fake, and unsafe or untested compounded knock-offs of Lilly medicine.
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01

Counterfeit / Fake Products

Counterfeit or fake products are made and sold in a manner that falsely represents their authenticity, origin or effectiveness. According to Health Canada, counterfeit products “can be made with: too much of the correct medicinal ingredients; not enough of the correct ingredients; or no correct ingredients”. They may also be made in unsanitary conditions by unregulated entities without adequate skill or training. Counterfeit products are often advertised and sold online, through social media or at certain med-spas.
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02

Compounded Products

Health Canada considers compounding to be the following: The combining or mixing together of two or more ingredients (of which at least one is a drug or pharmacologically active component) to create a final product in an appropriate form for dosing. It can involve raw materials or the alteration of the form and strength of commercially available products. It can include reformulation to allow for a novel drug delivery.
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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.
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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].
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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.
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How to report counterfeit products and adverse events.

If you believe that you may have received or used counterfeit, fake or any otherwise unsafe versions of "tirzepatide", please contact your health care provider or seek immediate medical attention.
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Report locally
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You should also report any such products by submitting a complaint to Health Canada's Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch.
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Call Lilly
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Patients and health care providers are encouraged to report compounded or counterfeit Mounjaro® by calling our customer response centre at
1-888-545-5972.
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Ways we can
help

Reporting assistance

We can assist you with reporting adverse events or other issues related to your receipt or use of counterfeit, fake or any otherwise unsafe versions of "tirzepatide".

Find what you need

We can help direct you to a supply of genuine Mounjaro® or Zepbound®.

Save on medicines

We can ensure you are aware of our savings card programs for Mounjaro® or Zepbound® for eligible, commercially insured patients.
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PP-LLY-CA-0009 04/2026 © 2026, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
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