At Centrum Pharmacy, we’ve proudly served the Orleans community for over two decades—providing safe, expert, and personalized healthcare for your family. As a locally owned, independent Canadian pharmacy, your safety is our top priority.
But now more than ever, we’re warning our patients: be cautious when buying health products online.
Between December 2024 and May 2025, Health Canada seized more than 19,000 counterfeit health products sold online as part of Operation Pangea XVII, a global crackdown led by INTERPOL. These unauthorized products included:
- Sexual enhancement medications (69%)
- Herbal and dietary supplements (10%)
- Veterinary and antiparasitic drugs (4%)
- Hormones and antibiotics (4%)
- Weight loss products (1%)
In total, over $378,000 worth of questionable or unsafe items were blocked from entering Canada. These counterfeit or unlicensed products may contain no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or incorrect dosages, and they often fail to meet Canadian safety, storage, or labeling standards.
What Does This Mean for You?
As your trusted healthcare provider, Centrum Pharmacy urges you to stay safe, informed, and connected to regulated care. Here’s what we want you to know:
1. Always Look for Authorized Products
Only use health products that are authorized by Health Canada. They’ll have one of the following:
- A Drug Identification Number (DIN)
- A Natural Product Number (NPN)
- A Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM)
You can search any product in Health Canada’s:
- Drug Product Database
- Licensed Natural Health Products Database
- Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL)
2. Avoid Suspicious Websites
Online deals might look tempting—but counterfeit health products are everywhere. Only buy from licensed pharmacies you know and trust. If in doubt, contact your provincial pharmacy regulatory authority to verify legitimacy.
3. Know Where to Turn
At Centrum Pharmacy, we stock only regulated, Health Canada-approved medications, supplements, and medical devices. If there’s a product you’re considering buying online, speak with one of our pharmacists first. We’ll help you make sure it’s:
- Safe
- Effective
- Real
We also monitor Health Canada’s Recalls and Safety Alerts database, and we keep our patients informed when dangerous or banned products surface in Canada—especially sexual enhancement drugs, skin treatments, workout supplements, and other risky online finds.
Why Trust Centrum Pharmacy?
We’re not just your local pharmacy—we’re your long-term healthcare partner. Independent, family-owned, and free from corporate pressures, our focus is always on what’s best for you and your family. And we’re right here in Orleans when you need us.
If you’re unsure about a product—or thinking about buying something online—ask us first. We’ll help you verify its safety or find a trusted alternative.
Visit us today or call to speak with a pharmacist who knows your name and your care history. Centrum Pharmacy. Complete. Comprehensive. Caring. Connected.
Your health. Your pharmacy. Since 1999.
Stay Connected with Centrum Pharmacy!
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Come for the Convenience, Stay for the Service.
Caring for Your Family Since 1999
Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
