AUSTIN, Texas — The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is warning the public to be aware of counterfeit Botox.
According to the CDC, 19 people from nine states reported harmful reactions after receiving counterfeit botulinum toxin, or Botox, injections last week. The injections had been administered by unlicensed people in non-health care settings, like spas or residences.
Texas is not one of the states where a harmful reaction was reported.
Of the 19 people dealing with symptoms, nine were hospitalized, of which four were treated with a botulism antitoxin, as symptoms were consistent with the possible spreading of a toxin. No deaths have been reported, according to the CDC.
The CDC says that someone who has been injected with counterfeit Botox could experience botulism-like symptoms such as:
- blurry vision
- drooping eyelids
- difficulty swallowing
- dry mouth
- slurred speech
- difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- general weariness
The CDC is encouraging anyone who is considering getting Botox injections to ask if the provider is trained and licensed, and if the product has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).