Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning about counterfeit Botox injections that have led to illness for 22 individuals. Half of them were hospitalized, with cases surfacing in early November and identified in 11 different states. These injections were being administered by unlicensed or untrained individuals, sometimes even in informal settings such as homes or spas. Many of those affected had received the injections for cosmetic purposes.
Botulinum toxin, when introduced into the bloodstream, can lead to botulism, a severe illness that manifests with symptoms like double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and breathing complications. It is crucial for individuals to only receive such injections from licensed professionals and alert authorities if they believe they have been exposed to counterfeit products.
The CDC sent out an alert to doctors regarding this issue on Tuesday. Six people were treated for suspected botulism as a result of the counterfeit injections. The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with the AP being responsible for all of its content.