The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is working with CDC and FDA to investigate hospitalizations linked to counterfeit Botox that was linked to nine hospitalizations in nine states, including Tennessee.
As of April 12th, 19 people reported harmful reactions after receiving Botox injections that were either fake or mishandled. All of them reported they received the injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals, in a non-healthcare setting, such as a home.
TDH identified 4 cases here in the state that fell ill, two of them ended up in the hospital. All of them had botulism-like symptoms. The cases in the other states had the same symptoms. Per the TDH,
Classic botulism is a rare, potentially fatal illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or related species. Initial 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 descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days requiring hospitalization and specialized treatment with anti-toxin.
The CDC says all reports came from females between 25 and 59-years-old. All said they received Botox for cosmetic purposes.
The investigation remains ongoing by the FDA who is working with the Botox manufacturer, AbbVie to locate and remove any counterfeit products in the U.S. The FDA has attached pictures of what the counterfeit boxes and vials look like.
Before receiving Botox injections, make sure you are getting them from a trained and licensed person, and make sure the product is FDA-approved.
