AAD, ASDS warn consumers of fake Botox injections following hospitalization reports
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Key takeaways:
- At least four individuals have been hospitalized from botulism-like illness following Botox injections.
- The warnings specify that injections with counterfeit Botox can result in severe complications.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association have released official statements in response to reports of patients being hospitalized for botulism from counterfeit Botox injections.
On April 10, NBC News reported that the CDC is poised to alert doctors nationwide about fake Botox (botulinum toxin, Allergan) injections that have already hospitalized at least four people. According to the news report, the CDC said that it’s coordinating a “multistate outbreak investigation into a few botulism-like illnesses in several states” caused by botulinum toxin injections that were not given in a medical office.
Two individuals in Illinois were hospitalized after presenting symptoms similar to botulism including blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and hoarse voice following botulinum toxin injections from a licensed nurse who was operating outside her authority.
In Colorado, Denver health officials are investigating a case of botulism-like illness after an unlicensed provider injected a patient with what was purportedly botulinum toxin.
Similarly, the Tennessee Department of Health identified four patients who experienced botulism-like signs and symptoms, two of whom were hospitalized. According to the Tennessee Department of Health’s ongoing investigation, the product administered was likely counterfeit.
Today, AAD president Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, issued a statement in response to the reports:
“The American Academy of Dermatology Association is alarmed by reports of patients suffering from illnesses resembling botulism after undergoing procedures that use possible counterfeit botulinum toxin. The concerning rise in counterfeit injectables poses a grave threat to patient safety, potentially resulting in severe complications such as visual impairment, blindness, infection or even stroke. These complications underscore the urgent need for patients to carefully understand who they are selecting to perform Botox procedures.
“Dermatologists pioneered the use of [botulinum toxin] to relax wrinkles and to address conditions such as hyperhidrosis, and they have a long track record of safety and effectiveness,” Desai’s statement continued. “Botox injections are a medical procedure and should only be performed in a medical office by board-certified dermatologists or an appropriately trained nonphysician clinician, under the direct on-site supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.”
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) has also released a statement, calling on states to “strengthen patient safety through increased oversight of medical care in all settings.” ASDSA president Seth L. Matarasso, MD, offered a statement in the press release:
“ASDSA takes the safety of patients very seriously, and we urge states to consider this in regulating medical practice in all settings of care. It is important to make sure all patients receive FDA-approved products and not counterfeit or otherwise unsafe treatments. Lack of regulation and enforcement has enabled many to offer medical procedures for cosmetic purposes outside of their training and expertise.”
Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist, echoed similar concerns based on his experience.
“The truth is administration of fake Botox can occur by anyone,” he told Healio. “It is very easy to get counterfeit Botox and other injectables.”
Lal warns patients that there are providers who are practicing illegally by performing these procedures in their homes and/or buying botulinum toxin from other countries due to lower costs.
“Dermatologists and plastic surgeons abide by certain ethical principles that are governed by our medical licensing boards,” he said. “The only people that patients should be going to for injectables if they want safe treatments with the ability to manage complications are dermatologist, surgeons, ophthalmologist and ear, nose and throat surgeons.”
References:
- Recent adverse incidents prompt ASDSA to call on states to step up and protect patients. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/news-room/press-releases/recent-adverse-incidents-prompt-asdsa-to-call-on-states-to-step-up-and-protect-patients. Published April 12, 2024. Accessed April 12, 2024.
- CDC expected to alert doctors about fake Botox. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna147275. Updated April 11, 2024. Accessed April 12, 2024.
- IDPH alerts healthcare providers to cluster of illnesses resembling botulism from possibly counterfeit Botox. https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2024/april/2024-04-08---idph-alerts-healthcare-providers-to-cluster-of-illn.html. Published April 8, 2024. Accessed April 12, 2024.
- TDH investigating cases of botulism-like illness following cosmetic injections. https://www.tn.gov/health/news/2024/4/5/tdh-investigating-cases-of-botulism-like-illness-following-cosmetic-injections.html. Updated April 5, 2025. Accessed April 12, 2024.
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