The dangerously counterfeit versions of botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, are linked to an outbreak that sickened another 19 people in nine states and led to nine hospitalizations, federal law enforcement officials warn.
In an alert to consumers and physical care providers Tuesday, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration said it was not the only one to be able to use the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The U. S. Department of Health said that counterfeit and harmful versions of Botox have been discovered in several states that have been given to other people for cosmetic purposes.
The products “appear to have been purchased from unlicensed sources” and may simply be mislabeled, adulterated, counterfeited, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, useless and/or unsafe, the FDA said.
Two states, Illinois and Tennessee, last week reported a half-dozen cases involving botulism-like symptoms following injections of potentially counterfeit products. Since then, thirteen more cases have been reported in seven other states, all linked to people who were injected with fake Botox through legal or illegal Americans in non-medical settings, such as at home or in spas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People have reported experiencing symptoms of botulism, blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The cases occurred in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York. , Tennessee and Washington.
The FDA is working with Botox manufacturer AbbVie to identify, investigate, and remove suspected counterfeit Botox products discovered in the United States. Currently, there is no indication that the ailments are similar to the company’s FDA-approved Botox, being the authentic and effective product for its approved uses, the FDA noted.
“In partnership with public health authorities, we have demonstrated the protection of our Botox and Botox cosmetics chain, as well as the protection, quality and efficacy of all the products we manufacture and distribute,” Allergan, a subsidiary of AbbVie, told CBS MoneyWatch on Friday.
If you get Botox for medical or cosmetic reasons, the CDC recommends asking if the provider, clinic, or spa is authorized and trained to administer the injections, and if the product is FDA-approved and purchased from a reputable source. Some states have a search tool that can be used to determine licenses, according to the agency.
Those who are hesitant don’t get the shot and those who have symptoms of botulism seek medical attention or go to the emergency room right away, the CDC said.
Approved for cosmetic use more than 20 years ago, Botox is a popular drug for smoothing wrinkles and looking younger; the injections cost about $530, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The effects of an injection last an average of 3 to 4 months, so more injections are mandatory to remain wrinkle-free.
The federal government has already cracked down on Botox and other unregulated cosmetic treatments. In 2023, U. S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Ohio intercepted a large amount that had been shipped from Bulgaria, China, Korea, and Spain.
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