Louisiana Warns Against Bad Tox After Two Hospitalizations

The Louisiana Department of Public Health (LDH) is reminding the public to take precautions before receiving injections of botulinum toxin and to avoid receiving injections from unlicensed sources and non-medical settings.

Two unrelated reports of severe illness following botulinum toxin injections were reported among Louisiana residents in September. One patient received injections of an unlicensed botulinum toxin product purchased online, and one patient received injections from an individual with unknown licensure in a non-medical setting. These patients began experiencing botulism-like symptoms a few days following the injections. Both experienced severe illness requiring hospitalization.

Botulism is a rare and sometimes fatal illness caused by botulinum toxin, which attacks the body’s nervous system and causes difficulty breathing and muscle paralysis. Botulinum toxin is a medication approved for use in certain cosmetic purposes, such as smoothing wrinkles and facial lines, as well as for specific medical purposes, including the treatment of conditions like chronic migraines, spasms, and bladder dysfunction.

Across the U.S., adverse events, including hospitalizations, have been linked to counterfeit tox. These incidents occur when counterfeit tox is injected by licensed and unlicensed individuals and/or in non-medical or unlicensed settings. Botulinum toxin products are sometimes purchased from unlicensed online sources, such as vendors who advertise on social media platforms like TikTok. With these vendors, communication and purchase of the products have been reported to occur through messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. Medications purchased from unlicensed sources may be misbranded, adulterated, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective, and/or unsafe.

Report suspected counterfeit botulinum toxin to the FDA by calling 800-551-3989 or filling out the alleged criminal activity form. You may report harmful reactions related to the use of any medications, including suspected counterfeit medications, through this form.