TN Dept. of Health investigating potentially counterfeit Botox injections after reported illnesses
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is working with the CDC, the FDA and several other states on an investigation into botulism-like illnesses in those who received cosmetic injections.
The agencies’ investigations have identified concerns about the use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origins administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas, TDH said.
According to the CDC, there have been 19 people from nine different states, including Tennessee, who reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from “unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings.” The cases were also reported in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York and Washington.
According to the health department, four people in Tennessee experienced botulism-like signs and symptoms after receiving the injections for cosmetic purposes. All four were seen by a doctor, and two were hospitalized.
Classic botulism is a rare, potentially fatal illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or related species. Initial symptoms of botulism can includes double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing. Those symptoms are typically followed by descending, symmetric muscle weakness that progresses over hours to days, requiring hospitalization and specialized treatment and anti-toxin.
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The health department said cosmetic injections should be FDA-approved product administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings. Any healthcare providers are recommended to ask about recent cosmetic procedures in patients experiencing botulism-like symptoms.
Suspected botulism illnesses should be reported immediately to the health department at 615-741-7247.
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