The regulator said that the counterfeit Lipitor was originally removed from the market in the UK in July 2005, but was recently found there again in a pharmacy. Lipitor, which is marketed by Pfizer, is the world’s biggest-selling drug.
Health Canada claimed to have had no indication that any of the counterfeit Lipitor tablets have reached the Canadian market, but warned that the product may have been brought into Canada by travelers or been purchased over the internet.
UK health authorities said initial test results indicate that the counterfeit product does not pose an immediate risk to patients. However, as with all counterfeit drugs, it is possible that the product could contain the incorrect dose, incorrect ingredients or no active ingredients, Health Canada advised.
In order to minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit drugs online, the Canadian regulator has reminded consumers not to do business with any websites or firms that refuse to give a street address, telephone number or means of contacting a pharmacist, offer prescription drugs without requiring a prescription or sell products not approved for sale in Canada.