Fake Botox is on the CDC’s radar.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that it is investigating reports of “some botulism-like illnesses in several states resulting from botulinum toxin injections (commonly called “botox”) is administered in non-medical settings,” the agency said in a statement.
“We are coordinating a multi-state outbreak investigation,” the agency added.
WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTOX?
Illnesses have been reported to the Tennessee and Illinois health departments, which are working with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the investigation, the CDC noted.
The CDC said it is investigating reports of “some botulism-like illnesses in several states resulting from botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘Botox’) injections given in non-medical settings,” the agency said in a statement. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell)
In Tennessee, four patients sought medical attention after experiencing “botulism-like signs and symptoms” after receiving Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, according to an online statement from the Tennessee Department of Health.
Two of the patients were hospitalized.
“Don’t go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Joint investigations have identified concerns about the use of counterfeit products or products of unclear origin that are dispensed in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas,” the statement said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a similar statement after two patients reported receiving potentially fake Botox injections in LaSalle County.
The two people reported symptoms that included blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and a hoarse voice, the statement said.
The patients, who were both hospitalized, were given the injections by a registered nurse who was “performing outside of her duties.”
Botulism is a “serious and sometimes fatal” illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC. (iStock)
Additional cases have been reported in Kentucky, Washington and Colorado.
“The sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified at this time,” the CDC said.
“Questions regarding product regulation and product research should be directed to FDA.”
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.
“If the wrong patient starts having trouble breathing, it can be fatal.”
Other symptoms may include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty moving the eyes.
“What’s particularly concerning is the breathing problems that some are having,” Dr. Salar Hazany, a board-certified dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon at the Scar Healing Institute in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.
“If the wrong patient starts having trouble breathing, it can be fatal.”
Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that causes paralysis in the muscles where it is injected. (iStock)
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 quite a few patients a year who have taken unapproved injectable things that they’re told are safe, which end up having serious consequences,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It has mostly been linked to injections in settings like someone’s home or a poorly regulated medical spa.”
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Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that causes paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.
“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 mismanaged products, an expert has warned. (iStock)
There are strict safety criteria for using and storing Botox, and there are serious risks involved in injecting fraudulent or mishandled products, Lehrman warned.
“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 the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman.
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“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.”
In most cases, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.
Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms after being injected should seek medical attention, according to health officials. (iStock)
“Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic botulinum toxin injections are rare,” the CDC said in its statement.
Millions of injections are given each year by licensed physicians and have been shown to be safe when done the right way, Lehrman added.
“Those considering Botox should research the provider’s background and make sure the practice hasn’t garnered many complaints,” Hazany added.
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“Don’t go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
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 (the maker of Botox), the FDA, the Tennessee Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health for comment.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
