BOTOX WARNING

CDC Warns of Counterfeit Botox

The CDC is warning consumers about counterfeit Botox, after patients in nine states experienced harmful reactions from their injections. These recent news reports of illnesses linked to “fake Botox” have understandably caused some alarm, prompting questions about the overall safety of Botox by a few of our Manhattan clients.

Here at Goldenberg Dermatology in Upper East Side Manhattan, patient safety is our top priority. We want to assure everyone that authentic Botox, when injected responsibly by a qualified medical professional, remains an extremely safe and highly effective treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

In this article the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in Upper East Side Manhattan, address the recent headlines about fake Botox and explain how you can make sure that the Botox you receive is both authentic and safe.

Fake Botox in the News

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the recent surge in reported illnesses is not due to Botox itself, but rather a result of counterfeit versions of Botox that were administered by unqualified individuals.  According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 19 women experienced complications after receiving what they believed to be Botox at non-medical settings like spas or salons. These complications included difficulty breathing, swallowing, and vision problems. Thankfully, no deaths were directly attributed to these incidents in the CDC report.

While the CDC report thankfully didn’t report any fatalities directly linked to these fake Botox incidents, the 19 cases serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of getting “cheap Botox” from unlicensed providers.  The injured women, ranging in age from 25 to 59, all sought out Botox treatments at non-medical settings across several states.  Following the injections, they experienced a variety of concerning symptoms including blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing.

Thankfully, many of these women received prompt medical attention and recovered from their complications.  Both the CDC, along with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), are currently investigating these incidents to identify the source of the counterfeit products. And both organizations have issued statements raising awareness about the tremendous importance of only going to licensed and qualified healthcare professionals for Botox treatments.

Identifying Fake Botox

Authentic Botox is manufactured by AbbVie or Allergan. And none of the incidents in the news involved products that were made by AbbVie or Allergan. Some indications of a fake Botox product can include a language other than English on the carton, and/or the carton and vial having the specific lot number C3709C3. The fake Botox cartons also said the active ingredient is “Botulinum Toxin Type A” instead of “OnabotulinumtoxinA”.

Additionally, the cartons of the counterfeit Botox indicated that contained a 150-unit dose – while real Botox only comes in 50-, 100- and 200-unit doses, according to an announcement this week by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Dangers of Fake Botox

The dangers of fake Botox or improper administration extend far beyond minor inconveniences.  In the reported cases linked to counterfeit substances, complications arose because the injected materials were not meant for cosmetic use and could have contained harmful toxins or fillers.  These toxins can disrupt nerve function, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences like difficulty breathing, paralysis, and even stroke.

Furthermore, improper injection techniques can cause serious side effects such as drooping eyelids, uneven brows, or even facial asymmetry.  In the worst-case scenario, if an unqualified injector accidentally punctures a blood vessel during the procedure, it can lead to serious infections or permanent tissue damage.

Why Choosing a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Botox Matters

Botox, when administered by a board-certified dermatologist like those at Goldenberg Dermatology, has a well-established safety profile. Authentic Botox is a highly regulated product that undergoes rigorous testing and approval processes. The key lies in choosing the right medical professional for your treatment – who only uses authentic, certified products and who has the medical expertise to administer it properly.

Spas and salons might offer Botox injections at tempting prices, but these settings often lack the necessary expertise and oversight.  Board-certified dermatologists have extensive training in facial anatomy, injection techniques, and potential complications. They can tailor your treatment plan for optimal results, make sure you are a good candidate, and follow all medical protocols to eliminate or minimize the risk of side effects.

Furthermore, because dermatologists are medical doctors (MDs) they are equipped to handle any potential adverse reaction or complication with the necessary medical equipment and expertise.

How to Avoid Counterfeit Botox

The foolproof way for a patient to definitively determine the authenticity of Botox on their own is to choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist or other medical doctor for their injections. This is the single most important step. A qualified dermatologist will only use FDA-approved Botox and will maintain meticulous records of the product used in your treatment.

Patients should also beware of unrealistically low prices. Botox is a premium product, and significantly lower prices offered at non-medical settings should raise a red flag, that the “Botox” may not be authentic.

Also, feel free to ask about the product you are receiving. A reputable dermatologist like those at Goldenberg Dermatology in Upper East Side Manhattan, will readily discuss the specific Botox product they use and provide you with relevant information about potential risks and benefits.

Botox Alternatives

While Botox is a popular brand name, it’s also important to understand that there are other similar safe and effective alternatives to Botox that are legitimate. Xeomin and Jeuveau are both FDA-approved alternatives to Botox that offer similar wrinkle-reducing benefits.  Unlike the counterfeit substances that caused recent health scares, Xeomin and Jeuveau are rigorously tested and regulated just like Botox.

These alternatives have subtle differences in their formulations, potentially leading to slight variations in results or diffusion time.  The experienced dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology can assess your individual needs and recommend the best option for you, be it Botox, Jeuveau, or Xeomin. Choosing the right product and a qualified medical provider is key to achieving safe and natural-looking results.

Safe Botox | Manhattan

Remember, NONE of the reported cases of (fake) Botox complications involved authentic Botox or are tied to any AbbVie or Allergan’s product. Additionally, all of the counterfeit Botox procedures were done in spas and salons and not at a doctor’s office.

Botox, when used responsibly by a qualified medical professional, remains a safe and effective treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines. The FDA has released official statements affirming that genuine Botox should continue to be viewed as safe and effective when used properly.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Upper East Side Manhattan, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.  Schedule a consultation with our experienced board certified dermatologists and you can rest assured that we will help you find  the best options for your appearance goals – achieving natural-looking, rejuvenated results – the safe and effective way.

Best Botox | Manhattan: 212-405-8202