Peptides: Health risks
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Risks of using unauthorized peptides
Just because a substance occurs naturally, that doesn't mean it's safe. Natural and synthetic health products can:
- have harmful effects
- interact with your medications
- present risks depending on:
- the dose
- route of administration
- frequency of use
- individual health factors
If you take unauthorized peptides, you may be exposed to a variety of health risks caused by both the peptide and how you administer it (for example, by injecting). These risks include:
- infections
- blood clots
- mood swings
- allergic reactions
- hormonal imbalances
- blood sugar imbalances
- liver and kidney damage
- growth of cancerous tumours
Unauthorized peptides present additional risks because they may:
- contain contaminants, such as:
- solvents
- heavy metals
- particles (fibres, glass, plastic)
- microbials (bacteria, fungi, endotoxins)
- be poorly or incorrectly labelled
- be improperly manufactured or stored
- contain unlisted, dangerous or unknown ingredients
- contain too much, too little or none of the active ingredient
Health Canada has tested multiple unauthorized peptides that were seized during compliance and enforcement activities, and found products that:
- contained no peptides at all
- were not sterile (including an injectable peptide)
- were advertised as containing specific peptides that weren't present
There are risks when you buy unauthorized peptides online. The lower price products may look good but third-party testing alone can't verify that a product is:
- safe
- effective
- authorized for sale
- produced according to quality standards
Safety depends on multiple factors like:
- manufacturing controls
- ingredient quality
- storage conditions
- regulatory oversight
These are all difficult for you to assess when buying these products from unauthorized sources.
If you use unauthorized injectable peptides, you could also be exposed to blood-borne infections, like hepatitis C and HIV. These infections can be passed from one person to another through shared needles.
Be wary of online discussions or community advice when making decisions about peptide use. Individual experiences and testimonials do not provide the same level of evidence as well-designed scientific studies. A product may appear safe or effective for one person, but it could cause different effects in others. Some risks and side effects may not be immediately felt or identified as being linked to the product.
Delaying or not seeking medical care can also put your health at risk. Speak to a health care provider if you use, or plan to use peptides.
Additional related safety information
Health Canada has issued a number of public advisories about the risk of using unauthorized peptides, including those purchased online.