Botulism cases linked to Botox injections under investigation in Massachusetts
The outbreak on the South Shore prompted the Department of Public Health to warn health care providers to be alert about symptoms. consistent with botulism occurring after botulinum toxin injections.
Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
'While generally safe when administered by trained professionals, improper dosing, administration technique, or use of non-FDA-approved products may increase the risk of systemic botulism symptoms,' the DPH advisory said.
Botulism, though rare, can be fatal. It occurs when botulinum toxin enters the bloodstream and can produce effects far from the injection site, according to the advisory.
Initial botulism symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems, according to state health officials. These symptoms may progress to muscle weakness that worsens over hours to days.
Anybody who is experiencing any symptoms should go to an emergency room.
'This is very rare,' South Shore Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr. Todd Ellerin told WCVB. 'We call it iatrogenic botulism, which means you get it as a complication of an injection. It is very rare.'
The DPH has not released details about the condition of the four individuals involved in the South Shore cases or information about the provider or facility where they received their injections.
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Please visit our for additional information on Zacks SCR. DISCLOSURE: Zacks SCR has received compensation from the issuer directly, from an investment manager, or from an investor relations consulting firm, engaged by the issuer, for providing research coverage for a period of no less than one year. Research articles, as seen here, are part of the service Zacks SCR provides and Zacks SCR receives quarterly payments totaling a maximum fee of up to $40,000 annually for these services provided to or regarding the issuer. Full Disclaimer . ________________________ [1] Minian, N., et al. Identifying determinants of varenicline adherence using the Theoretical Domains framework: a rapid review. BMC Public Health. March 2024.
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