In the United States, health officials raised concerns on Tuesday about counterfeit Botox injections that have caused illness in 22 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of these individuals have been hospitalized, prompting the agency to issue a warning to healthcare professionals. The cases began surfacing in early November and have been reported in 11 states.
The CDC attributed the cause to the administration of injections by unlicensed or untrained individuals in unofficial settings such as homes or spas, with many receiving the injections for cosmetic purposes. Six people were treated for suspected botulism, a serious illness caused by botulinum toxin that can result in symptoms such as double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and breathing issues.
Health officials emphasized the importance of receiving injections only from licensed professionals and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious products. The CDC also reminded healthcare providers that they must ensure proper storage and disposal of Botox products to prevent contamination and adverse reactions. It is important for patients to ask their healthcare provider about the authenticity of any product they are considering using and to only purchase from reputable sources.