‘Counterfeit’ Botox Injections Suspected of Hospitalizing 2 People in Illinois: ‘Residents

Two people in Illinois were hospitalized after they received injections of what may have been a counterfeit version of Botox.

On April 8, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) sent out a press release asking health care facilities to be on the lookout for people who show symptoms of “botulism” after two people reported receiving injections in LaSalle County of Botox or “a similar possibly counterfeit product” before being admitted to the hospital.

“Illinois residents should exercise caution when considering cosmetic treatment,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in the release. “Receiving these treatments in unlicensed, unapproved settings can put you or your loved ones at serious risk for health problems.” 

“Please only seek cosmetic services under the care of licensed professionals trained to do these procedures and who use FDA approved products,” he continued. “If you are experiencing any health problems after a recent cosmetic treatment, please contact your healthcare provider immediately for help and assistance.”

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, per the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms include weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and throat, which can spread to other areas of the body like the neck, arms and torso, and even weaken the muscles used for breathing. This can lead to difficulty breathing and death.

The IDPH said the two individuals reported symptoms “similar” to botulism including blurred/double vision, drooping face, fatigue, shortness of breath, trouble breathing and a hoarse voice following their injections.

Both said that they had received the injections from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who was “performing work outside her authority.” 

The IDPH noted that similar cases had also been reported by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), though it did not say if those cases had any connection to the ones in Illinois.

The TDH issued a release last week noting that four people reported botulism symptoms, which preliminary investigations suggested happened as a result of them being injected with “counterfeit” Botox products.

Both health departments said they were asking health providers to report cases of botulism along with the patient’s history of botox injections and information like “injection sites, number of doses administered” and “product used.” 

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The IDPH noted that the botulinum toxin — which is the key ingredient in Botox and is a substance that relaxes facial muscles — can only be injected by licensed professionals under the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Physicians and nurses are included on the IDFPR’s list, while cosmetologists and estheticians are not.

It noted that health care providers administering Botox should ensure the product they received is “authorized” by Allergan, the FDA approved maker of Botox.