19 Individuals Report Harmful Reactions After Receiving Botox, Says CDC

On April 15, the CDC, several state and local health departments, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced via a press release that they are investigating reports of harmful reactions among people who received injections of counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin (commonly called “Botox”).

As of April 12, 2024, a total of 19 people from 9 states have reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas. States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington.

Public health and regulatory officials have found that some people received injections with counterfeit products or products with unverified sources. Investigation into the sources of these products is ongoing.

More information about the counterfeit products, including signs of counterfeit versions, may be found on FDA’s website.

People have reported experiencing:

• Blurry vision and double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Generalized weakness

Nine (60%) people were hospitalized and 4 (21%) were treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site. Five people were tested for botulism and their results were all negative.

All reports came from people identifying as females, ranging in age from 25 to 59 years, with a median age of 39 years. Eighteen (95%) people reported receiving botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. All people reported receiving these injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, including homes and spas.