The Canadian Ministry of Health warns people against purchasing unauthorized injectable drugs sold online by Canlab Research.

The advisory stated that the products "may pose serious health risks."

The injectable products are promoted as peptides and sold online through Canlab Research websites, including www.canlabresearch.com and www.canlab.net. The sites list an address based in Laval, Que.

Peptides, which are chains of amino acids that build proteins, perform a range of important functions in the body, and some peptides can also be produced for use in medications.

The regulatory authority said it ordered Canlab Research to stop advertising and selling unauthorized health products whose safety, efficacy, and quality have not been assessed, such as containing high-risk ingredients or unlabeled additives, or risks such as potential infection and allergic reactions.

The Canadian Ministry of Health said: "Examples of injectable prescription drugs available for sale on Canlab Research sites include oxytocin and triptorelin."

The regulatory authority described triptorelin as a medically prescribed peptide drug used to treat prostate cancer, reduce pain associated with endometriosis, control the timing of ovulation in fertility treatments, and is given to patients by injection, which should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it alters hormone levels in ways that can harm the fetus.

Some websites describe triptorelin and oxytocin as beneficial in bodybuilding. In 2010, an endocrine case report outlined harm to one patient who purchased triptorelin online.

For patients, side effects can include increased risk of serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke, as well as life-threatening allergic reactions with symptoms such as difficulty breathing. In the long term, the Canadian Ministry of Health said the drug reduces bone mineral density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures along with other harmful effects.

Oxytocin is a prescription peptide drug used to help initiate or maintain labor and control bleeding after childbirth. Care providers may also use it in other cases. In labor and delivery wards, oxytocin is administered intravenously under medical supervision and is not for people with certain conditions. A person receiving treatment may experience side effects including allergies with symptoms such as difficulty breathing; the baby's heart rate may slow in overdose cases.

The Canadian Ministry of Health recommends people consult a healthcare professional if they have used any of these products and have health concerns, and also suggested purchasing medical drugs only from licensed pharmacies.

The regulatory authority also advises people to avoid buying health products from suspicious or untrusted websites and to verify that health products are licensed for sale by the Canadian Ministry of Health by looking for the eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN) or homeopathic drug number, or by checking its own databases for pharmaceuticals and natural health products.