# Major Recall Alert: Counterfeit Cialis 20 mg, Counterfeit Viagra 100 mg Seized in Ontario
Health Canada has issued an urgent recall warning after seizing counterfeit Cialis 20 mg and Viagra 100 mg from stores in Toronto, Pickering, and Brantford, Ontario. The manufacturers of these prescription medications have confirmed that the seized products are fake. Alarmingly, these counterfeit drugs were also found at the Queen St. Variety Store and Pacific Fresh Food Market during a previous Health Canada investigation.
**Selling counterfeit drugs is illegal in Canada, and these products pose serious health risks to consumers**. Counterfeit medications may look like authentic products; however, they are unregulated, potentially unsafe, and lack proper testing for safety, efficacy, or quality.
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## Why This Recall is Important
Counterfeit Cialis and Viagra may seem identical to their authentic counterparts, but they are anything but safe. Health Canada has confirmed that these fakes pose risks due to their composition, which may include:
- **No active ingredient at all**
- **Higher dosages than indicated on the label**
- **Dangerous contaminants or hidden ingredients**
Both Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are prescription drugs that must be used solely under the direction of a healthcare professional. These medications are not suitable for everyone—they can cause **life-threatening interactions** if taken with nitrate drugs (e.g., nitroglycerin). Furthermore, individuals with heart conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing severe cardiovascular events, such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeat
Additional side effects include headaches, dizziness, indigestion, facial flushing, and, in rare cases, vision or hearing loss.
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## Details of the Recall
Here’s what you need to know about the counterfeit medications seized by Health Canada:
- **Brands Affected**: Counterfeit Cialis 20 mg, Counterfeit Viagra 100 mg
- **Products**: Fakes of Cialis and Viagra, confirmed by manufacturers to be counterfeit
- **Locations**: Identified stores in Toronto, Pickering, and Brantford, including Queen St. Variety Store and Pacific Fresh Food Market.
It is critical to note that **these are not verified products** and should be avoided at all costs.
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## What You Should Do
To protect your health and ensure the use of genuine prescription medications, follow these steps:
- **Buy from licensed pharmacies only**: Always purchase prescription drugs from verified and licensed Canadian pharmacies.
- **Consult a healthcare professional**: Never use prescription medications like Cialis or Viagra without professional medical supervision.
- **Avoid unregulated sources**: Medications sold outside of licensed pharmacies jeopardize your health and safety.
- **Dispose of counterfeit drugs**: If you have these counterfeit products in your possession, stop using them immediately. For guidance on safe drug disposal, consult Health Canada or your pharmacist.
For more details on this recall, visit the official announcement here: [Health Canada’s official recall notice](https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/fake-counterfeit-cialis-and-viagra-seized-toronto-pickering-and-brantford-stores-may).
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## Stay Safe – Get Instant Recall Alerts
Counterfeit drugs are a growing problem in Canada, and your safety should always be prioritized. To stay informed about recalls like this one, consider downloading a **recall alert app** to receive instant notifications directly to your phone. Staying vigilant about product safety helps protect not only yourself but also your community.
Take action now and ensure that you or your loved ones are not unknowingly exposed to counterfeit and dangerous products. Spread the word by sharing this recall notice with others!
