Current:Home > ScamsBotox shots, possibly counterfeit, linked to botulism-like illnesses-LoTradeCoin
Botox shots, possibly counterfeit, linked to botulism-like illnesses
View Date:2024-12-23 15:39:34
Federal officials are trying to determine the source of Botox injections — some of the shots potentially counterfeits — linked to an outbreak of botulism-like illnesses in several U.S. states.
The Food and Drug Administration told CBS MoneyWatch it is working with other federal and state agencies to identify the cause of an outbreak that has sickened at least six people in Illinois and Tennessee injected with the botulinum toxin.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported four people in the state had been stricken with botulism-like symptoms, including two hospitalized after getting possible counterfeit injections.
In Illinois, health officials are warning medical providers to be on the alert for patients with botulism after two people became ill and were hospitalized with symptoms including blurred vision, droopy face and difficulty breathing. Both received injections from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who administered treatment without authorization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the botulinum toxin injections — commonly called Botox —were done in "non-medical" settings, and "the sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified."
AbbVie and Allergan Aesthetics are the only authorized suppliers of Botox, and recent reports of potential botulism cases involved product "suspected to be counterfeit," Allergen, the FDA-approved manufacturer of Botox told CBS MoneyWatch. "In partnership with public health authorities, we have confirmed the security of our Botox and Botox cosmetic supply chain as well as the safety, quality, and efficacy of all products we manufacture and distribute," Allergan stated.
Approved for cosmetic use more than 20 years ago, Botox is a popular drug used to smooth wrinkles and look younger, with injections typically costing around $530, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The effects of a shot last three to four months on average, so additional shots are needed to remain wrinkle-free.
Botulism is a serious and sometimes fatal illness caused by a toxin that can be transmitted by food or result from untreated wounds, while infants can develop an intestinal form of the illness, according to the CDC.
So-called iatrogenic botulism is caused by excessive exposure to the botulinum toxin, although confirmed cases occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections are rare, according to health officials. Injections should involve an FDA-approved product administered by a licensed provider, health experts advise.
The FDA urged people experiencing adverse effects or health care providers receiving patients with adverse effects to report them to the FDA MedWatch reporting program.
Federal officials have previously cracked down on unregulated Botox and other cosmetic treatments. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Ohio intercepted such fillers that had been shipped from Bulgaria, China, Korea and Spain.
Kate GibsonKate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York.
veryGood! (54526)
Related
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 9 drawing: Jackpot rises to $92 million
- Falcons make quarterback change, going with veteran Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder
- Can you dye your hair while pregnant? Here’s how to style your hair safely when expecting.
- These US cities will experience frigid temperatures this week
- Mike Tyson impresses crowd during workout ahead of Jake Paul fight
- Woman set for trial in 2022 killing of cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson: Here's what to know
- Paris Hilton, North West, Ice Spice, more stars transform for Halloween: See the costumes
- One city’s surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: solving more nonfatal shootings
- Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Reveals Name of Baby Daughter After Missing Film's LA Premiere for Her Birth
- Nine QB trade, free agency options for Vikings after Kirk Cousins' injury: Who could step in?
Ranking
- Caitlin Clark's gold Nike golf shoes turn heads at The Annika LPGA pro-am
- EPA to Fund Studies of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Agriculture
- US consumers keep spending despite high prices and their own gloomy outlook. Can it last?
- A 5.4 magnitude earthquake has shaken Jamaica with no immediate reports of casualties or damage
- High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
- Ryan Blaney wins, William Byron grabs last NASCAR Championship race berth at Martinsville
- Two dead, 18 injured in Ybor City, Florida, shooting
- French government says 9 people detained after violent attack on Lyon soccer team buses
Recommendation
-
Will Trump’s hush money conviction stand? A judge will rule on the president-elect’s immunity claim
-
China fetes American veterans of World War II known as ‘Flying Tigers’ in a bid to improve ties
-
A cosplay model claims she stabbed her fiancé in self-defense; prosecutors say security cameras prove otherwise
-
China fetes American veterans of World War II known as ‘Flying Tigers’ in a bid to improve ties
-
One person is dead after a shooting at Tuskegee University
-
Cowboys vs. Rams recap: Dak Prescott's four TD passes spur Dallas to 43-20 rout
-
More Americans over 75 are working than ever — and they're probably having more fun than you
-
U.S. attorney for Central California told Congress David Weiss had full authority to charge Hunter Biden in the state