In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported 19 cases of vision problems and difficulty breathing and swallowing associated with fake Botox injections. The illegal products were obtained from unlicensed sources and are suspected to be counterfeit, adulterated, contaminated, and improperly stored or transported.

According to the FDA, these unverified and unknown sources of fake Botox have been a cause for concern. To uncover the truth behind these incidents, Michelle Waltenburg, a senior botulism epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is collaborating with the FDA and state health departments.

The affected cases have been reported in at least nine states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. It is important to note that there is no evidence linking these illnesses to authentic Botox manufactured by AbbVie, which is considered safe and effective for its intended and approved uses.

Botox, a neurotoxin made from botulinum toxin, is commonly used to relax muscles in specific areas of the face to reduce wrinkles. However, the concern with counterfeit Botox is that it may spread throughout the body and paralyze muscles needed for vital functions, such as breathing.

The paralysis of respiratory muscles is a serious consequence, warns Waltenburg, highlighting the urgency of seeking immediate medical care for symptoms of botulism. So far, 19 women who had unknowingly received fake Botox injections, mostly for cosmetic reasons, have experienced symptoms. Majority of the affected patients were around the age of 40, and nine of them required hospitalization. Four patients were administered botulism antitoxin as a precautionary measure against the toxin's potential spread. Fortunately, none of the patients have had to rely on a ventilator, and no fatalities have been reported.

To address this significant public health concern, the CDC is planning to inform physicians nationwide about the issue. Furthermore, the FDA provides guidance on identifying counterfeit Botox products, emphasizing the importance of purchasing Botox from legitimate sources.

This outbreak of fake Botox and its associated health risks underscores the need for consumers to exercise caution when seeking cosmetic treatments. It serves as a reminder to verify the authenticity of products and ensure that they are administered by qualified healthcare professionals in regulated healthcare settings.