Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 20 years ago as a temporary cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines in adults. Most people who get Botox are middle-aged but dermatologists and plastic surgeons are seeing more younger patients showing interest in the treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 64% of members stated they had seen a dramatic increase in patients under the age of 30 requesting facial cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments.
What we know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday that at least 19 women in nine states reportedly became sick after they got Botox. The injections caused people got from people who were never licensed or trained to give the shots or received them in “non-healthcare settings,” including homes or spas.
According to their report, nine of the 19 patients were hospitalized. Four "were treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site."
Botox uses a purified form of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that prevents muscles from moving for a period of time, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The product is often used to prevent or ease facial wrinkles. When the toxin is found in food, it can lead to widespread paralysis and even death. But when injected carefully by a professional, it’s generally considered safe. It's worth mentioning that too much in the wrong places can be damaging, according to the CDC.
Reported Botox reactions
The report points out that people have reported experiencing blurry vision and double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and generalized weakness.
All reports came from people identifying as females, ranging in age from 25 to 59, with a median age of 39. Eighteen (95%) people reported receiving botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. All people reported receiving these injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings.
Where have cases been detected?
According to the CDC report, cases have been detected in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington. The CDC has reported no deaths. It's unclear whether the reactions were the result of fake products, contamination, or poor hygiene practices.
If you are considering an injection of Botox for medical or cosmetic reasons, the CDC offered some suggestions on what you should do. Ask your provider and setting such as a clinic or spa if they are licensed and trained to give the injection. Your state might have a license lookup tool where you can check if a provider or setting has the appropriate license. Ask if the product is approved by FDA and obtained from a reliable source. And, of course, when in doubt, just don't get the injection.
The investigation is still ongoing, said the CDC. Take a look at their full report here.
