Toronto convenience store caught selling sketchy counterfeit Viagra pills

Health Canada is warning the public after a Toronto convenience store was caught selling counterfeit Viagra.

Granted, you probably should have been suspicious from the get-go about Viagra being sold in a convenience store.

Health Canada announced on Tuesday that it had seized counterfeit Viagra pills from Rocky Convenience at 2466 St. Clair Ave. W. in Toronto.

The product in question, sold as 100 mg sildenafil tablets, has been confirmed as counterfeit by Viagra manufacturer, Pfizer. The tablets are packaged without a lot number and an expiry date of March 2030, with the incorrect format printed on their foil blister packs.

Health Canada warns anyone who purchased the tablets to "Immediately stop using and safely dispose of the product," and to "Consult a health care professional if you have taken this product and have health concerns."

The government health agency cautions stores that "Selling counterfeit health products in Canada is illegal," and warns potential buyers that "Counterfeit drugs are made to look like authentic products, but they are not the same and may pose serious health risks."

According to Health Canada, drugs like Viagra should only be used under medical supervision and can pose serious complications when combined with certain drugs.

"Only buy prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies," warns Health Canada.

Counterfeit drugs are not subject to the rigorous controls imposed on prescription medication, and Health Canada stresses that unregulated pills could contain no active drug at all, a higher dose than shown on labels, or even dangerous contaminants or hidden ingredients.

"The best way to make sure your prescription drug is authentic is to buy it from a licensed pharmacy, with a prescription from your health care professional. Prescription drugs cannot be sold outside of a licensed pharmacy and should only be taken under the care of a health care professional because they are used to treat specific health conditions and may cause serious side effects."