(photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
If you’re looking to get Botox injections, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you always to get them in medical settings and from licensed sources. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says if you don’t, you’ll put yourself at great risk of being infected with botulism.
“People are more likely to develop a botulism-like illness or other severe adverse reaction, following a botulinum toxin injection, if the product is counterfeit or unlicensed, or if an FDA product is administered incorrectly,” Sokol explained.
Botulinum toxin is the long name for Botox. In addition to smoothing wrinkles and facial lines, Botox has medical uses, such as for treatment of chronic migraines, spasms and bladder dysfunction. Sokol says last month, two Louisiana residents became severely ill after getting Botox injections in non-recommended ways.
“One patient received injections of a non-FDA approved botulinum toxin product that was purchased online. And one patient received injections from an individual with an unknown licensure status in a non-medical setting,” Sokol said.
Sokol says if you experience symptoms of botulism, seek medical help immediately.
“Some of those symptoms include: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing,
dry mouth and muscle weakness,” Sokol noted.
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