WASHINGTON D.C., DC — This week, the Centers for Disease Control warned people of harmful reactions after receiving counterfeit Botox injections.
The Numbers
The CDC declared a total of 22 people, all female, from 11 states had reported harmful reactions after receiving injections. States reporting these reactions include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Nine people have been hospitalized and four were treated with botulism antitoxin because symptoms were consistent with possible spread of the toxin. No deaths have been pronounced. Some of the reported symptoms included blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. The damaging reactions occurred from November 4, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
Recommendations
According to the CDC, many of the cases being investigated involved counterfeit products or were administered in non-healthcare settings like homes and spas, or by an untrained individual. The FDA is investigating the sources of the counterfeit products.
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, Megan Francis owns NM Aesthetics in Arlington, Virginia. She shared some tips on Get Up DC to ensure your procedure is safe.
- Make sure you are only getting injections from a licensed and trained professional in a healthcare setting.
- Ask your provider to see the box of the product before your procedure to see the lot or identification number.
- You can call the manufacturer's patient hotline to verify the lot number and verify the provider has an account with that manufacturer.
- Do your research and take your time finding the right provider. Even providers who are licensed, but aren't trained in aesthetic medicine can cause complications.
"The risks are dire. You have no idea what these substances are. If you're getting dermal fillers as well, which are very popular, you add a risk of blindness, tissue death, or even death. It's not worth it, do your research, time your time to make sure they are - in fact - certified with legitimate products," said Francis.
The CDC emphasizes: “If in doubt, do not get the injection.”
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