Public Advisory - Health Canada warns about unauthorized sexual enhancement products seized from multiple stores in Toronto, Etobicoke, and Kitchener that may pose serious health risks Français
Health Canada advises that the following products may pose serious health risks. For more information, including product photos and what you should do, visit these online safety alerts:
Unauthorized sexual enhancement products
Health Canada maintains lists of unauthorized health products that may pose serious health risks so that the public can easily identify those they may have purchased and take appropriate action. You are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.
Product
Hazard Identified
Company
Action Taken
Unauthorized health products for sexual enhancement
Bang Maximum Power
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Church Bella Variety
585 Church St, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Church Bella Variety
585 Church St, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Royal Honey VIP
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Church Bella Variety
585 Church St, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Libi X Platinum Plus 5000
Product tested by Health Canada
and found to contain sildenafil
Esso Gas Station
3930 Lawrence Avenue
East, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 8 Supreme 500K plus
Product tested by Health Canada
and found to contain
sildenafil and tadalafil
Esso Gas Station
3930 Lawrence Avenue
East, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 12 Titanium 6000
Product tested by Health Canada
and found to contain
sildenafil and tadalafil
Esso Gas Station
3930 Lawrence Avenue
East, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
7K
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain
sildenafil and tadalafil
21 Seven Market
1000 Bloor St, W, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Ginseng Red 2000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
21 Seven Market
1000 Bloor St, W, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
21 Seven Market
1000 Bloor St, W, Toronto, ON
Seized from retail location
3800 Hard Rock
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain tadalafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Black Mamba Premium 80000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Ginseng Red 2000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Lucky Lady
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain tadalafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 7 Platinum 5000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain sildenafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Rhino 69 Extreme 35000
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain either
sildenafil or tadalafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Rush Hour 72
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain
sildenafil and tadalafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
Stiff Rox
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested
and found to contain
sildenafil and tadalafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
VIP Go Rhino Gold 69K
Product tested by Health Canada
and found to contain sildenafil
Payless Video & Variety
2267 Islington Ave
Etobicoke, ON
Seized from retail location
3800 Hard Rock
Product with similar packaging
(previously seized) was tested and
found to contain tadalafil
Strasburg Convenience & Smoke
700 Strasburg Rd Unit S21
Kitchener, ON
Seized from retail location
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls.
Également disponible en français
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
18 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Vertex Announces Marketing Authorization in Canada for ALYFTREK, a Once-Daily Next-Generation CFTR Modulator for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
- Approximately 3,800 people in Canada are now eligible for ALYFTREK, with up to 60 people potentially eligible for a medicine that treats the underlying cause of their disease for the first time - TORONTO, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Vertex Pharmaceuticals today announced that Health Canada has granted Marketing Authorization for Pr ALYFTREK TM (vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor), a new triple combination therapy for patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 6 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation or another responsive mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. ALYFTREK brings a potentially transformative therapy to up to 60 people living with CF in Canada who were not previously eligible for a CFTR modulator. As the first once-daily CFTR modulator, ALYFTREK may also provide a new treatment option and flexibility for approximately 3,800 people given the need to take CFTR modulators with fat-containing food. "ALYFTREK represents the next generation of CFTR modulator treatment and is a testament to our long-standing goal to address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, treat more people living with CF, and bring more people to normal levels of CFTR function," said Michael Siauw, General Manager at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Incorporated. "With once-daily dosing, eligibility in 113 additional mutations, and the potential to lower sweat chloride levels even further, ALYFTREK brings us one step closer to achieving this goal." This approval is based on a comprehensive Phase 3 pivotal program, including more than 1,000 patients across more than 20 countries and more than 200 sites. The Phase 3 studies in people with CF ages 12 years and older met their primary endpoint (non-inferiority on absolute change from baseline in ppFEV 1 compared to TRIKAFTA) and all key secondary endpoints (including absolute change from baseline in sweat chloride [SwCl] compared to TRIKAFTA). In the Phase 3 study of children with CF ages 6-11 years, ALYFTREK demonstrated safety, the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints, such as absolute change from baseline in ppFEV 1 and absolute change from baseline in SwCl, demonstrate the benefit of ALYFTREK in this age group. ALYFTREK was generally well tolerated across all studies. "For Canadian patients and families, the approval of ALYFTREK represents significant progress towards improved care," said Dr. Bradley Quon, Medical and Research Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at St. Paul's Hospital, and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. "Lower levels of sweat chloride combined with the convenience of a once-a-day treatment provides a new option that has the potential to both improve CFTR function and reduce treatment burden." ALYFTREK is currently approved in the U.S., UK and European Union and is under regulatory review in Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. About Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-shortening genetic disease affecting more than 109,000 people, including 94,000 people in North America, Europe and Australia. CF is a progressive, multi-organ disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas, GI tract, sinuses, sweat glands and reproductive tract. CF is caused by a defective and/or missing CFTR protein resulting from certain mutations in the CFTR gene. Children must inherit two defective CFTR genes — one from each parent — to have CF, and these mutations can be identified by a genetic test. While there are many different types of CFTR mutations that can cause the disease, the vast majority of people with CF have at least one F508del mutation. CFTR mutations lead to CF by causing CFTR protein to be defective or by leading to a shortage or absence of CFTR protein at the cell surface. The defective function and/or absence of CFTR protein results in poor flow of salt and water into and out of the cells in a number of organs. In the lungs, this leads to the buildup of abnormally thick, sticky mucus, chronic lung infections and progressive lung damage that eventually leads to death for many patients. The median age of death is in the 30s, but with treatment, projected survival is improving. Today Vertex CF medicines are treating over 75,000 people with CF in more than 60 countries on six continents. This represents 2/3 of the diagnosed people with CF eligible for CFTR modulator therapy. Sweat chloride, which measures CFTR function, is used to diagnose CF. The diagnostic threshold for CF is SwCl ≥60 mmol/L, while levels between 30-59 indicate CF is possible and more testing may be needed to make the diagnosis of CF. A SwCl level of <30 mmol/L is seen in people who carry one copy of a CFTR gene mutation but do not have any manifestation of disease (carriers). At a population level, higher levels of SwCl are associated with more severe disease. Restoring CFTR function leads to lower levels of SwCl. Restoring SwCl levels below 30 mmol/L has long been the ultimate treatment goal for Vertex, as levels below 30 mmol/L are considered normal and are typical of CF carriers who do not have disease. About ALYFTREK TM (vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor) In people with CF, mutations in the CFTR gene lead to decreased quantity and/or function of the CFTR protein channel at the cell surface. Vanzacaftor and tezacaftor are designed to increase the amount of CFTR protein at the cell surface by facilitating the processing and trafficking of the CFTR protein. Deutivacaftor is a potentiator designed to increase the channel open probability of the CFTR protein delivered to the cell surface to improve the flow of salt and water across the cell membrane. ALYFTREK is approved in the U.S., UK, and Canada for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 6 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation or another responsive mutation in the CFTR gene. ALYFTREK is approved in the European Union for the treatment of CF in patients ages 6 years and older who have at least one non-class I mutation in the CFTR gene. Boxed Warning Elevated transaminases have been observed in some patients treated with ALYFTREK. Cases of liver failure leading to transplantation and death have been reported in patients with and without a history of liver disease taking a fixed dose combination drug containing elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor, which contains one same (tezacaftor) and one similar (ivacaftor) active ingredient as ALYFTREK. Liver injury has primarily been reported within the first 6 months following initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. See full ALYFTREK Product Monograph for further details. About Vertex Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements by Michael Siauw and Dr. Bradley Quon, and statements regarding the anticipated eligible patient population in Canada and expectations for the ALYFTREK regulatory submissions in Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from the company's development programs may not support registration or further development of its compounds due to safety, efficacy, or other reasons, and other risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company's website at You should not place undue reliance on these statements or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Investors: [email protected] Media: [email protected] or Canada: +1 647-790-1600 SOURCE Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc.
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Toronto Star
Health Canada Authorizes bioLytical's iStatis Syphilis Test, Boosting Rapid Response to Rising Infections in Canada
Now authorized for professional use in Canada, the iStatis Syphilis Antibody Test offers a fast, accurate, and portable solution to strengthen syphilis screening efforts nationwide. Health Canada authorizes the iStatis Syphilis Antibody Test for professional use, delivering reliable results in under 15 minutes Enables rapid, accurate screening in both clinics and outreach programs Backed by bioLytical's MDSAP: ISO 13485:2016-certified quality system, with high sensitivity and specificity
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Painkiller shortage forces Windsor pharmacists to make tough calls
Pharmacies are dealing with a prescription painkiller shortage as they try to accommodate customers with limited supply. CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum reports. A national shortage of a commonly prescribed painkiller is being felt locally — forcing Windsor-Essex pharmacists to ration supply, split doses, and find stopgap solutions for patients in pain. 'We're basically out now,' said Tim Brady, owner of Brady's Drug Store. 'We're limiting people to 30-day supplies instead of three months, just trying to spread it around.' Brady's Drug Store painkiller shortage Tim Brady, owner of Brady's Drug Store, assists a customer at the Essex location as the national painkiller shortage forces pharmacists to ration supply and explore alternatives. Seen in Essex, Ont. on July 21, 2025. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor) Brady is talking about Oxycocet, a medication that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen into one pill. It's similar in composition to better-known brand names like Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) and Tylenol 3 (codeine and acetaminophen). Health Canada confirms those are among several products in short supply across the country due to 'manufacturing disruptions and increased demand.' According to the federal regulator, that includes: Acetaminophen with codeine: Lenoltec No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, and Emtec-30 Lenoltec No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, and Emtec-30 Acetaminophen with oxycodone: Oxycocet, Apo-Oxycodone/Acet, and Rivacocet 'Health Canada recognizes how important these medications are for people managing pain and acknowledges the impact shortages may have on their daily lives,' a spokesperson said in a written statement. 'We understand that this can be distressing for patients and their families. The department is doing everything it can to help resolve these shortages.' Health Canada said it's working with manufacturers, distributors, provinces and territories to 'monitor the situation and explore options to increase access.' But for patients walking into pharmacies today, it's a challenge already at hand. 'It's scary,' said Brady. 'If you've been stabilized… and suddenly it's not available, you don't want to go back to that place again.' That's why his team is calling around to other pharmacies, dispensing what they can — and, when needed, working with doctors to prescribe an alternative. Hospitals are feeling the squeeze too. 'We saw this coming,' said Antoinette Duronio, director of pharmacy services at Windsor Regional Hospital. She said her team reviewed its inventory early and began adjusting distribution to avoid disruptions. 'We review the stock, determine when we might run out and restrict it to the patients who absolutely need it — while finding alternatives for others,' she said. Mina Tadrous, a pharmacist and drug policy researcher at the University of Toronto, said the shortage reflects the complexity of the pharmaceutical supply chain. 'For one pill to end up in your vial, it probably has ingredients from multiple countries,' he said. 'It's gone through maybe eight or nine different factories, and it's ended up in that place. And so, if something along that chain happened, you start to see a domino effect.' He added: 'It's what we call is a fast mover — a commonly used medication… You're faced with a scenario where you have to make tough choices.' Making those choices could be easier, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) argues, if pharmacists had more authority to act independently during shortages. 'Under federal rules (the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act), pharmacists aren't allowed to prescribe or switch medications like opioids, even in situations like this,' said Tyler Gogo, senior manager of communications for the CPhA. 'We've raised this issue before — if pharmacists had more flexibility under the CDSA, they could provide care in a more timely and convenient way.' Gogo pointed out that while most provinces allow pharmacists to adjust prescriptions for non-controlled drugs, the federal CDSA prevents them from doing the same with opioids like Oxycocet or Tylenol 3. 'That means pharmacists can't easily help patients switch medications, even when there's a shortage.' This restriction exists because opioids are tightly regulated due to their high risk for addiction and abuse, requiring physician oversight for any adjustments. As for how long might this specific shortage last? 'It's expected to last into early August,' said Gogo. Health Canada recommends patients speak with their doctor or pharmacist, 'who can help identify alternative treatments or strategies to manage their supply.' And on the ground, Brady is asking for patience and understanding from those who rely on these medications. 'We're not trying to make your life difficult,' he said. 'It's just we can't get any.'
