- A new report from the CDC found that 19 women in nine states became ill after receiving Botox injections.
- Botulism can lead to symptoms such as muscle paralysis, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and in some cases death.
- To ensure safety, it’s important to go to a board-certified dermatologist and ask questions about the product being used before the procedure.
CDC released a
As of April 12, 19 people from 9 states claimed to have suffered harmful reactions after receiving Botox injections by unlicensed or poorly trained people in non-healthcare settings, including homes and spas.
Of the 19 patients, 9 were hospitalized and 4 were given botulism antitoxin because of the possibility that the botulism toxin had spread throughout the body.
These states included Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington.
For those seeking Botox injections, the CDC advised, “ask your provider and setting (such as a clinic or spa) if they are licensed and trained to give the injection” and “ask if the product is FDA-approved and obtained from a reputable source.”
Botox is an injectable neurotoxin derived from botulism toxin type A. This substance is naturally produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
“Botox prevents the nervous system from releasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, into targeted muscles and causing a temporary muscle paralysis,” he said. Michele Green, MDcosmetic dermatologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital.
“When injected into areas of the face such as the forehead, between the eyebrows and the corners of the eyes, Botox effectively ‘freezes’ the muscles that create dynamic fine lines and wrinkles in the area.”
Tien Nguyen, MDboard-certified dermatologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told Healthline Botox was developed in the 1990s by the pharmaceutical company Allergan for medical as well as cosmetic purposes.
“At a controlled, low dose, injecting a small and controlled amount directly into the muscle will create muscle weakness, achieving the goal you want,” Nguyen said.
Botulism develops from botulinum toxin attacking the body’s nervous system. It can cause muscle paralysis, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing and in severe cases death.
“The botulism toxin arises from Clostridium botulinumthe same bacteria that was used to break down Botox,” Green said.
“This bacterium can be found in many places and is usually consumed by people without illness occurring.”
However, under certain conditions, the spores created by the bacterium will grow and release the botulism toxin.
Improperly preserved, fermented or home-canned foods are common places where spores thrive and release botulism toxin, Green added.
There are several things to keep in mind before trying Botox.
“When considering a Botox service, it’s incredibly important to ensure that the provider performing the procedure is a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who uses controlled products,” said Green. “While medical spas may be more affordable, only a certified health care provider can provide you with the safest and most effective Botox treatment.”
It’s also important to note that there are other types of Botox produced worldwide: Xeomin from Germany, Dysport from Europe, and many more companies produce a similar toxin for commercial use, Nguyen explained.
Experts agreed that it’s important to see a health professional as soon as possible.
“If you are concerned that you may have received fake Botox and are experiencing any unwanted side effects, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. You should either see a doctor or go to an emergency room,” Green said.
Patients should ask questions about what is being injected before the procedure.
“There are millions of health care providers who inject products similar to Botox,” Nguyen said.
“It may not be the only Botox coming from Allergan anymore. The consumer (patients) should know what is being injected for safety.”
A new health advisory from the CDC reported that 19 women in nine states became ill after receiving Botox injections.
Botulism can cause muscle paralysis, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and in some cases death.
It is important to go to a board certified dermatologist and ask questions about the product beforehand.
