NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — The New York City Health Department sent out a warning on Friday as three people fell ill after receiving Botox injections in the city, one of which had to be admitted to the intensive care unit.
In all three cases of illness, the individuals received injections with botulinum toxin, referred to as “Botox,” in their face, neck, upper back or armpits. The injections were administered between Feb. 8 and Feb. 28.
Symptoms began days to weeks after the shots, and included double vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath and difficulty raising arms, health officials said.
Each of the three patients went to the emergency department and two people were hospitalized. One of those hospitalized was sent to the ICU.
According to authorities, all three cases are being investigated, but at least one involved unlicensed providers, potentially counterfeit products or services given in non-clinical settings.
“Though it may seem simple, botulinum toxin injections are a medical procedure,” Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said. “New Yorkers should not be getting injections from friends or at parties, and they should not be getting them from non-medical professionals such as beauticians or aestheticians.”
Botox injections are made from the same toxin that causes botulism, a neurological condition that attacks the body’s nerve cells and causes muscle paralysis. The toxin will especially target facial muscles before spreading to limbs, and it can cause difficulty breathing or even death.
The version of the toxin used in legitimate products is manufactured to reduce the risk of these side effects, and these products are FDA-approved for cosmetic and medical use.
Health officials said that people are more likely to develop a botulism-like illness if the product is counterfeit or unlicensed, or if it is administered incorrectly.
Several cases of botulism have been reported in other areas of the U.S., and the CDC is coordinating a multistate investigation in addition to an FDA investigation.
The FDA recommends that consumers should confirm with medical professionals that they are licensed and trained to administer the injection and the product comes from an authorized source.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after a Botox injection should seek medical attention immediately and disclose to their provider that they received an injection.
Health care providers should ask about recent cosmetic procedures in patients experiencing botulism-like illness.
“A price that is too good to be true, or if a service provider does not explain the risks and side effects of the procedure, are clear warning signs that the products or services may not be legitimate and could pose a risk to your health,” Vasan said.