CDC Investigates Harmful Reactions to Counterfeit Botox Injections in 11 States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating reports of 22 women who experienced adverse reactions to counterfeit Botox injections in 11 U.S. states between November 2023 and March 2024. The affected states include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York City, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

According to the CDC alert issued to doctors, the shots were administered by unlicensed or untrained individuals, often in non-healthcare settings such as homes or spas. Most of the women, aged 25 to 59, said they received the injections for cosmetic reasons. Symptoms reported included blurred vision, drooping eyelids, shortness of breath, and weakness. Eleven of the 22 patients were hospitalized, but there have been no deaths.

Six people were treated for suspected botulism, a potentially deadly disease caused by botulinum toxin entering the bloodstream. The counterfeit Botox products may be identified by specific lot numbers, dosages, and labeling that differ from the genuine products manufactured by AbbVie or Allergan. For example, the fake products may list the active ingredient as "Botulinum Toxin Type A" instead of "OnabotulinumtoxinA" and come in 150-unit doses not made by the approved manufacturers.

Why this matters: The use of counterfeit or improperly administered Botox injections poses serious health risks, including the potentially fatal illness botulism. This investigation highlights the importance of seeking cosmetic treatments only from licensed medical professionals using FDA-approved products.

The CDC, FDA, and state and local partners are investigating the reports of harmful reactions. Health officials are urging the public to only receive Botox injections from licensed professionals in licensed healthcare settings and to verify the provider's license status and the approval of the products being used. Clinicians are advised to contact their health department if they suspect botulism in a patient. Authentic Botox products can be identified by tamper-evident seals, the brand name "onabotulinumtoxinA", and a hologram of "Allergan" on the vial.

Key Takeaways

• CDC investigating 22 women with adverse reactions to counterfeit Botox in 11 U.S. states.
• Injections administered by unlicensed individuals, often in non-healthcare settings like homes or spas.
• Symptoms include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, shortness of breath, and weakness; 11 hospitalized.
• Six people treated for suspected botulism, a potentially deadly disease caused by the toxin.
• Seek Botox only from licensed professionals using FDA-approved products to avoid serious health risks.