The CDC reported that several Health Departments and the FDA “are investigating reports of harmful reactions among people who receive injections of counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin (commonly called “Botox”).”
These “harmful reactions” happened “after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas.”
The CDC provided this list of harmful reactions:
• Blurry vision
• Droopy eyelids
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Generalized weakness
Some affected people were hospitalized.
(CDC April 19, 2024)
So, if you are considering Botox treatment, you would be wise to seek treatment by a medical professional with proper training in how to administer it.
The Mayo Clinic points out that only purified botulinum toxin that meets the FDA requirements should be administered.
It works by “blocking chemical signals from nerves to muscles.” Botox has a number of indications for its use including treatment of “wrinkles, frown lines, neck muscle spasm, sweating, overactive bladder, preventing frequent migraine headaches, lazy eye, and other conditions.”
Done correctly, it can be a valuable treatment for a number of conditions.
Mayo Clinic 2024 https://www.mayoclinic.org
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
Health and Culture 