A variety store in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood has been caught selling fake Viagra, Health Canada said Friday.Â
The counterfeit pills were diamond-shaped and blue with “Pfizer” written on them, just like the authentic sexual enhancement pills, photos released by the government agency show.
“Viagra” and “Pfizer” are printed on the container though the company confirmed that the product was fake,
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Anybody who might’ve taken the counterfeit pill from the store, which is at 1296 Queen Street East, is advised to see a doctor, officials say.
The pills were labelled to have the prescription drug sildenafil, like the real Viagra contains, which should only be used with advice from a doctor, Health Canada warns, adding that it could cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure if it is mixed with any kind of nitrate drug.Â
People with heart problems are also at risk a greater risk for side effects like heart attacks, stroke, chest pains, and abnormal heartbeats. Other potential side effects include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.
Health Canada did not specify the exact dangers of the fake pills but did say they still pose health risks, adding that the pills may contain no drug at all, a higher dosage than what’s shown on the label, or dangerous and hidden ingredients.
Kristjan Lautens is a staff reporter, working out of the Star’s
radio room in Toronto. Reach him via email: klautens@thestar.ca
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