This year, at least one resident of New York City was among ten individuals hospitalized in the U.S. after receiving Botox injections from unlicensed sources via social media. Officials disclosed this on Monday.
New York health authorities mentioned that the individuals were hospitalized between May and August, but thanks to botulism antitoxin treatment, they were able to recover after being injected with a hazardous counterfeit drug.
According to a health advisory released by the health departments of New York City and the state, three of these patients required intubation and ventilators.
Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities linked to these injections. Some were sold on platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and various international retail websites. Many of these products came in vials containing a white powder, lacking any labels or safety information.
The health advisory explained, “Some individuals displaying symptoms have seen ads for vendors selling botulinum toxin products on social media, including TikTok.”
It further noted, “None of those who injected these substances adhered to state regulations for purchasing or administering botulinum toxin products.”
State law restricts Botox to trained and licensed professionals, but that hasn’t deterred the distribution of at-home kits with unregulated contents, leading to an increasing number of reported cases of botulism.
A TikTok user shared, “I’m doing it myself [the injection]. I just ordered Korean Botox,” in the comments of a self-injection tutorial.
This same user expressed frustration over high costs, mentioning, “I got tired of paying exorbitant amounts of money when I developed neurothixin. [sic] itself is less than 100 [dollars] for 100 unit bottles.”
Botulism results from bacteria that release toxins affecting the body’s nerves. Symptoms can include headaches, muscle weakness, facial paralysis, and difficulties with speech.
New York state officials reported symptoms typically manifested around three days after the injections, including shortness of breath and limb weakness.
The City Health Bureau, recognizing a surge in reports of botulism-like illnesses from individuals receiving injections from “unlicensed providers or unidentified products,” issued an advisory as a response to this concerning trend.
New York residents experiencing symptoms of botulism or having suspicions about it should contact the New York City Department of Health Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641.
For those outside New York City, the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Infectious Disease Control can be reached at 518-473-4439 during business hours or 866-881-2809 after hours.
