CDC investigating harmful reactions to counterfeit ‘botox’; people in at least 9 states impacted

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the agency, with several state and local health departments, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating reports of harmful reactions among people who received “injections of counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin, which is commonly called ‘Botox.'”.

“As of April 12, 2024, a total of 19 people from 9 states have reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas,” according to the CDC. “States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington.

The CDC said its investigation notice has been posted regarding harmful reactions in people who received counterfeit or otherwise mishandled botox.

“Public health and regulatory officials have found that some people received injections with counterfeit products or products with unverified sources. Investigation into the sources of these products is ongoing,” the agency said in a post.

People have reported experiencing:

Blurry vision and double vision
Drooping eyelids
Difficulty swallowing
Dry mouth
Slurred speech
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Generalized weakness

The CDC reported that nine “(60%) people were hospitalized and 4 (21%) were treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site. Five people were tested for botulism and their results were all negative.”

Further, the agency, said, “All reports came from people identifying as females, ranging in age from 25 to 59 years, with a median age of 39 years. Eighteen (95%) people reported receiving botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. All people reported receiving these injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, including homes and spas.”

Other points shared by the agency::

• No deaths have been reported;
• Many of the products being investigated are counterfeit or were administered in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas, or by an unlicensed or untrained individual. Questions regarding product investigation should be directed to FDA;
• CDC, FDA, and state and local health departments are working together to investigate these reactions.
• Only get injections of FDA-approved botulinum toxin from licensed and trained professionals in healthcare settings;
• If you need an injection of botulinum toxin for a medical condition, your doctor will choose the safest dose;
• If you get an injection of botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons, go to a licensed and trained professional and get the injection in a medical or licensed setting;
• Your state might have a license look-up tool you can check to see if a provider or setting has the appropriate license;
• Ask if the product is approved by FDA and obtained from a reliable source;
• If in doubt, don’t get the injection;
• If you have symptoms of botulism, such as trouble swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately. See a doctor or go to the emergency room. Do not wait;
• Some localized effects can be expected following botulinum toxin injection. Your provider will explain these to you;
• More concerning botulism symptoms might include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing;
• These symptoms are typically followed by muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days. See a doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you experience these symptoms;
• Without treatment, botulism can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, or death.