Fake Botox injections have led to hospitalizations in Tennessee and Illinois. The CDC warns against receiving cosmetic injections from unlicensed providers or in non-medical settings.
Investigations suggest the injected product was counterfeit. Botulism, a severe illness caused by toxins from bacteria, can result from fake injections. Symptoms include blurred vision, droopy eyelids, and muscle paralysis, which can be fatal if untreated.
While botulinum toxin is used in FDA-approved cosmetic treatments, fake injections pose serious health risks. Patients in Illinois received injections from a licensed nurse operating beyond her authority.
The Illinois Health Department advises caution and urges seeking treatments only from licensed professionals using approved products. If experiencing health issues after cosmetic treatment, seek immediate medical help.