Current:Home > StocksCounterfeit Botox blamed in 9-state outbreak of botulism-like illnesses -Blueprint Money Mastery
Counterfeit Botox blamed in 9-state outbreak of botulism-like illnesses
View
Date:2025-04-15 12:45:31
Dangerous counterfeit versions of botulinum toxin — better known as Botox — are being linked to an outbreak that has sickened 19 people in nine states, causing nine hospitalizations, federal safety officials are warning.
In a Tuesday alert to consumers and health care providers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said unsafe counterfeit versions of Botox had been found in multiple states and administered to people for cosmetic purposes.
The products "appear to have been purchased from unlicensed sources" and could be misbranded, adulterated, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective and/or unsafe, the FDA said.
Two states — Illinois and Tennessee — last week reported half a dozen cases involving botulism-like symptoms following shots of potentially phony products. Since then, another 13 cases have been reported in an additional seven states, with all involving women injected with phony Botox by licensed and unlicensed individuals in non-medical settings, such as at homes or spas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People reported experiencing botulism symptoms including blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, difficulty breathing and fatigue. The cases occurred in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington.
The FDA is working with Botox manufacturer AbbVie to identify, investigate and remove suspected counterfeit Botox products found in the U.S. Currently, there's nothing to indicate the illnesses are linked to the company's FDA-approved Botox, with the genuine product safe and effective for its approved uses, the FDA noted.
"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," AbbVie subsidiary Allergan told CBS MoneyWatch on Friday.
How to avoid counterfeit Botox
If you're considering Botox for medical or cosmetic reasons, the CDC advises asking whether the provider, clinic or spa is licensed and trained to give the injections, and if the product is FDA approved and purchased from a reliable source. Some states have a look-up tool that can be used to check on licensing, according to the agency.
Those in doubt should not get the injection and those who experience symptoms of botulism should seek medical care or go to an emergency room immediately, the CDC said.
Approved for cosmetic use more than 20 years ago, Botox is a popular drug to smooth wrinkles and appear 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.
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! (6448)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Once Again Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Prove to Be the King and Queen of Trolling
- Becky G Makes Cryptic Comment at Coachella Amid Sebastian Lletget Cheating Rumors
- Murder of Cash App Founder Bob Lee: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Stabbing
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Target's Spring Designer Collections Are Here: Shop These Styles from Rhode, Agua Bendita, and Fe Noel
- Amazon Shoppers Say These Best-Selling Cleaning Products Saved Them Time & Money
- A U.S. uranium mill is near this tribe. A study may reveal if it poses a health risk
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Fireproofing your home isn't very expensive — but few states require it
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Coachella 2023: See Shawn Mendes, Ariana Madix and More Stars Take Over the Music Festival
- Watch Adele FaceTime Boyfriend Rich Paul During His Twitch Stream With Kai Cenat
- Renewable energy is maligned by misinformation. It's a distraction, experts say
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- Watch Ryan Seacrest Tearfully Say Goodbye to Kelly Ripa and His Live Family After Final Episode
- Homelessness is aggravating harm caused by the Phoenix heat, medical personnel say
- The Exact Moment Love Is Blind’s Paul Decided What to Tell Micah at Altar
Recommendation
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
What the Inflation Reduction Act does and doesn't do about rising prices
Go Inside the Love Lives of Stranger Things Stars
With Manchin deal, talk of Biden's climate emergency declaration may be dead
Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
These Towel Scrunchies With 8,100+ 5-Star Reviews Dry My Long Hair in 30 Minutes Without Creases
The U.K. breaks its record for highest temperature as the heat builds
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson Might Be Related, but All of These Celebs Actually Are