19 Hospitalized From Botched Botox Shots Sold In NJ, Elsewhere: CDC

NEW JERSEY — Counterfeit or mishandled units of botox, an injection used to smooth wrinkles, are being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after at least 19 women in several states reported harsh reactions to the product, the agency said Monday.

The bad botox, which hospitalized nine of the 19 women to date, was sold in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Washington, the agency said. Four of the women were “treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site.”

Botox is a purified botulinum toxin, which freezes muscle movement for a period of time. Botulism can also weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and death.

The injection is considered to be safe if handled by licensed providers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The botched injections were done by unlicensed or untrained individuals in homes and spas, the CDC said. Some states, including New Jersey, only allow botox to be administered in a health care setting, though experts say a lack of clarity from state licensing boards over so-called “med-spas” boosts the risk of regulatory issues and non-compliance.

The affected women reported experiencing blurry vision and double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, fatigue and generalized weakness, the CDC said.

If you are considering a botox injection for medical or cosmetic reasons:

• Ask your provider and setting (such as clinic or spa) if they are licensed and trained to give the injection.
• Ask if the product is approved by FDA and obtained from a reliable source.
• If in doubt, don’t get the injection.