The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns consumers about counterfeit versions of Botox found in many situations — including California. The popular cosmetic product is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
False or incorrect handling Botox has caused serious reactions in people who received injections in unlicensed non-medical settings. To date, 15 people in nine states, including two in California, have reported adverse reactions after injecting counterfeit products. In total, 11 people were hospitalized and six were treated with botulism antitoxin, an antidote that can stop damage to the body.
In this Q&A, UC Davis Health board-certified dermatologist Oma Agbai discusses Botox, its proper use, and the dangers of fake products.
What is Botox?
Botox is a brand name produced by the pharmaceutical company Allergan. It is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is commonly used to temporarily reduce wrinkles by paralyzing the facial muscles. The toxin works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, thereby smoothing out wrinkles on the surface of the skin.
What is Botox used for?
Botox is primarily used for cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead furrows. It also has medical applications, including the treatment of conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and muscle spasms.
How do consumers know they are getting genuine Botox?
To ensure they are getting genuine Botox, consumers should seek treatment from reputable medical practitioners. These specialists are board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons who purchase directly from Allergan. Patients can also verify product authenticity by checking packaging, labels and lot numbers (see below).
When considering cosmetic procedures, patients should take an active role in advocating for their own safety.” —Oma Agbai, Board Certified Dermatologist
What is botulism or botox poisoning?
Stagnation or botox poisoning, occurs when the toxin spreads beyond the injection site and affects other areas of the body. Symptoms may include:
- muscular weakness
- vision problems
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- breathing difficulty
In severe cases, botulism can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms of fake botox?
Several patients have been hospitalized with symptoms consistent with botulism after suspected fake Botox injections. These cases highlight the dangers of receiving unapproved or counterfeit cosmetic treatments and emphasize the importance of seeking treatment from board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons using authentic products. The CDC is currently investigating these hospitalizations, which occurred after injections given in non-medical settings, which may include homes or cosmetic spas.
What are the side effects of Botox treatment?
Common side effects of Botox injections include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site. Some people may experience headaches or flu-like symptoms shortly after treatment. In rare cases, more serious side effects include drooping eyelids, muscle weakness or allergic reactions and should be reported to a doctor.
What should people do if they have received a fake botox injection?
If anyone suspects they have been injected with fake Botox, they should seek medical attention immediately. It is essential to document any symptoms and contact both the provider who gave the injection and the local health authorities to report the incident.
Where can people safely get Botox injections?
Botox injections can be safely performed under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in a medical setting. Choosing a reliable provider who follows proper safety protocols and uses authentic Botox products is critical to ensuring the best results and minimizing potential risks. In non-medical settings, such as cosmetic spas or clinics where medical personnel are operating outside of their specialty to administer Botox injections, there is a higher risk of adverse effects and complications. When considering cosmetic procedures, patients should take an active role in supporting their own safety.
Should people get botox injections at parties?
Botox parties are social events where people gather to get Botox injections in a relaxed, non-medical environment. They are often hosted in someone’s home or in a social setting. While these events may seem convenient and fun, they raise safety concerns. They may lack proper medical supervision and sterile conditions, increasing the risk of complications or receiving counterfeit products.
The outer box or package:
- Lists the active ingredient as “Botulinum Toxin Type A”
- It indicates doses of 150 units
- Contains lot number C3709C3
- Includes a language other than English.
The vial:
- It indicates doses of 150 units
- Contains lot number C3709C3
Consumers should report suspected counterfeit Botox products through the FDA website or by calling 800-551-3989. Suspected counterfeit Botox products in California can be reported to the CDPH under Consumer Complaints.
