Health Canada warns unauthorized drugs seized from B.C. gym, health stores

A syringe is seen in this undated file photo. (AP / Donovan Quintero)

Health Canada is warning consumers after it seized dozens of unauthorized products being sold at a Vancouver fitness gym and at nutrition supplement stores in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.

The agency says more than two dozen products, including injectable hormones and controlled drugs, were seized from Rize Fitness in Vancouver. The drugs were also being sold online through the website phxlab.net, which has since been removed by the business.

A separate advisory warns that several dozen more products, including injectable peptides, steroids and testosterone compounds, were seized from Maxximus Supplements and Cutting Edge Nutrition in Maple Ridge.

“Health Canada has not authorized any of the products that were seized or sold on the website, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality,” the agency said in a pair of public advisories Wednesday.

“Selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal,” it added.

Health Canada says Rize Fitness has stopped advertising and selling the products following the agency’s intervention. The business, located on Smithe Street, did not respond to a request for comment on the seizure Wednesday.

“The seized products are labeled to contain prescription, controlled, or other drug ingredients and many are in injectable form,” Health Canada said.

“The products include injectable peptides and testosterone compounds, often used for bodybuilding, anti-aging, enhancing athletic performance or weight loss.”

Health officials say taking unauthorized drugs can be dangerous as the substances may interact with other medications, or may contain “high-risk ingredients, additives or contaminants that are not listed on the label.”

Using injectable unauthorized drugs poses additional risks of infection or allergic reaction due to contamination or improper handling, Health Canada warned.

Anyone who has used the unauthorized products is urged to contact a health-care provider if they have health concerns, and to report any side effects or complaints to the federal agency.