SAN ANTONIO — Bad batches of Botox. The CDC put out an alert about counterfeit Botox being found across the country.
People get Botox injections to smooth wrinkles, typically on the face, for a period of time. The problem occurs when you don't get the real thing, and you end up in the hospital.
David Shafer, a board certified plastic surgeon told us, "There is a difference between Botox Cosmetic, which is the real Botox, and then all this kind of ubiquitous use of the word Botox, which is not truly Botox some of the time. And it's very concerning because patients don't know which one they're getting."
Dr. Anton Fries, the Division Chief and Assistant Professor for the Division of Plastic Surgery at UT Health San Antonio said, "These patients have reports of weakness of their mouths and that sort of almost like a stroke and some the symptoms extending into the arms and limbs, which were very unusual, not with normal administration of Botox."
The CDC says as of mid April, 22 people with adverse affects were reported in 11 states including Texas. All those with symptoms were women between the ages of 25 and 59. Each reported receiving botulinum toxin injections by unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, including in the home.
Dr. Shafer said, "There's a little hologram on the vial that you can see to know that you're getting the genuine product, and then afterwards you want to see what effect you're going to have. If you've had it before and you're having consistent results, hopefully you got the real thing."
In a statement, the CDC said: "Clinicians and health departments should consider the possibility of adverse effects from botulinum toxin injections in patients presenting with localized paralysis. Clinicians should immediately contact their state, tribal, local, or territorial health department if they suspect botulism." Dr. Fries also told us, "There's certain specific serial numbers, and these have been published on the CDC website, that are potentially involved."
If you think you may have counterfeit Botox products, you are urged to report them to the FDA right away at 800-551-3989 or through FDA’s form for reporting suspected criminal activity.