Aesthetic medicine procedures at lower cost, but risky for health. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is launching a major investigation following harmful reactions linked to illegal botox injections. Since the start of the year, US health authorities say 19 people have reported “harmful reactions”, after injections outside a medical setting, leading to the hospitalization of 9 of them.
This phenomenon also exists in France, where, according to the National Council of the Order of Physicians, 104 illegal botox and hyaluronic acid injections reported in 2023. This is a level never reached in six years. A worrying trend although poorly carried out, this type of act can lead to serious complications such as risk of necrosis or septicemia.
Illegal botox injections: what can be the side effects?
When properly performed by approved healthcare professionals, botulinum toxin injections can help reduce facial wrinkles due to their ability to cause muscle relaxation. But a parallel network is flourishing, particularly on social networks, whose consequences for health can be dramatic.
Indeed, in the United States, health authorities are launching an investigation, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after 19 people reported harmful effects since the start of the year after injections given by people “unlicensed or untrained or in non-medical establishments”. This resulted in the hospitalization of 9 patients.
In question, the use of “counterfeit products or products from unverified sources”specify the CDC, which emphasizes that a “Investigation into the sources of these products is ongoing.”
Here is the list of adverse health effects identified by American health authorities:
- Generalized weakness;
- Fatigue;
- Difficult breathing;
- Blurred vision and double vision;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- A dry mouth;
- Speech problems;
- Droopy eyelids.
“These symptoms are similar to those seen when botulinum toxin spreads to other parts of the body,” specifies the FDA.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.
In France, the ANSM specifies that an injection that does not follow the rules is associated with a risk of contracting an infection that can become generalized, also called sepsis, but also HIV. If the injection is made into a blood vessel, there is a risk of necrosis, which could lead to amputation, but also blindness, “if it is a vessel which irrigates the eye”.
Botox injections: how to perform them safely?
For injections carried out in complete safety, it is recommended to turn to a licensed practitioner And having the certifications in order to carry out this gesture in complete safety. Likewise, check the origin of the product is important. To do this, the ANSM advises “obtain injectable products directly from the manufacturer or its official supplier; the sale on the internet of medicines based on botulinum toxin is prohibited”. Also, it is recommended to “systematically check the presence of legal notices”. To do this, it is possible to look at the CE marking, followed by the 4 digits of the notified body. It is possible to contact the manufacturer by providing the product information, namely the batch number and the expiration date of the product. Finally, if in doubt, do not give the injection.
Sources:
- Harmful Reactions Linked to Counterfeit “Botox” or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – April 2024
- Counterfeit Version of Botox Found in Multiple States – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – April 2024
- Injectable products used in aesthetics for the treatment of wrinkles: beware of falsified goods! – ANSM April 2021