The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official health alert on Tuesday, warning of reports fake botox injections which led some patients to the hospital.
Along with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health officials, the CDC said it is investigating a total of 22 cases in 11 states from November 2023 to March 2024.
Cases have so far been reported in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington — all affecting women aged between 25 and 59 years.
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The women had “adverse effects” after being injected with “fake botulinum toxin,” the alert said.
The injections were all given by “unlicensed or untrained persons” or in “non-health facilities such as homes or spas”.
The CDC issued an official health alert this week, warning of bogus Botox injections that have landed some patients in the hospital. (Getty)
The women’s reported symptoms included; blurred visiondrooping eyelids, dry mouth, fatigue, slurred speech, generalized weakness and shortness of breath.
Of the 22 cases, 11 women were hospitalized.
None of the cases met the “case definition of botulism,” the CDC noted.
No deaths have been reported.
What is botulism?
Botulism is a “serious and sometimes fatal” illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.
Initial symptoms usually include muscle weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and neck — which can also spread to the neck, arms, trunk and legs.
Other symptoms may include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty moving the eyes.
It is possible for people to experience some of these symptoms without having botulism.
The injections were all given by “unlicensed or untrained individuals” or in “non-healthcare settings such as homes or spas,” the CDC said in its warning. (iStock)
Dr. Anne Truitt, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California, said doctors or clinicians who inject Botox or other injectables should make sure the products come from a trusted source.
“Injecting an unknown product in unknown concentrations into your body is really dangerous and potentially fatal,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Injecting an unknown product in unknown concentrations into your body is really dangerous and potentially fatal.”
Dr. Craig Lehrman, director of plastic surgery at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that fake Botox has been a problem since the early 2000s.
“Unfortunately, I treat several patients a year who have taken unapproved injectables that they’re told are safe — which ends up having serious consequences,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“It has mostly been linked to injections in settings like someone’s home or a poorly regulated medical spa.”
Botox is done by a specific guy Clostridium botulinuma bacterium that causes paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.
Reported symptoms included blurred vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, fatigue, slurred speech, generalized weakness and shortness of breath, the CDC’s health alert said Tuesday. (iStock)
“People taking the alleged fake Botox are suffering from a botulism-like disease caused by the same bacteria,” he said.
There are strict safety criteria for using and storing Botox, and there are serious risks involved in injecting fraudulent or mishandled products, Lehrman warned.
“Cosmetic injections should be an FDA-approved product administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings.”
“Bolk disease can have detrimental effects ranging from infection, permanent disfigurement, to severe wound formation.”
Tips for safe use of Botox
“Cosmetic injections must be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings,” the CDC said.
There has been a large increase in the number of people offering these services who are not board certified in plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman.
“I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just look for the cheapest option,” a director of cosmetic surgery told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just look for the cheapest option,” he said.
“I would recommend going to a center that has strict training standards and a safety record.”
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In most cases, when administered correctly, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.
“Botox has been well tested and researched for many years,” Truitt told Fox News Digital. “Used appropriately, it is safe and one of the best tools for reducing the effects of aging.”
Millions of injections are performed each year by licensed physicians and it has been shown to be safe when done the right way, noted one doctor. (iStock)
“Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic botulinum toxin injections are rare,” the CDC said in its statement.
To ensure safety, Truitt said it’s important to go to a licensed provider and to avoid “Botox parties” and “pop-up” spas.
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“The bottom line is, if it sounds too good to be true, then chances are it probably isn’t real — or safe,” he added.
Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms after being injected should seek medical attention, according to health officials.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Abbvie (maker of Botox) and the FDA for additional comment.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
