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Alert to Members - Suspected Botulism Events

The Aesthetic Society Alert to Members around Suspected Botulism Events

  • The Aesthetic Society is deeply concerned about several cases of suspected botulism in patients being treated with injectable botulinum toxin.  
     
  • The Tennessee Department of Health and Illinois Department of Public Health have recently reported a total of 6 cases of suspected botulism associated with injectable botulinum toxin. 
     
    • Four cases in Tennessee and two cases in Illinois of suspected botulism have resulted in four hospitalizations and all cases having to seek medical care for botulism symptoms.  
       
  • Another case of botulism in a patient treated by an unlicensed provider is being investigated in Denver, CO.  
     
  • In each case, investigations are ongoing but authorities in each state suspect that these cases involve counterfeit products administered in non-clinical and unlicensed settings.  
     
  • The CDC and FDA are aware of these cases and working with state authorities.  
     
  • The FDA encourages all practitioners and patients who suspect any adverse event to report to the FDA MedWatch Reporting program at   https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program 
     
  •  The Aesthetic Society is committed to the safe and ethical practice of aesthetic medicine and surgery. We stand with fellow aesthetic providers that are licensed and particularly trained in the practice of aesthetic medicine, including core physicians, such as Dermatologists, Facial Plastic Surgeons/Otolaryngologists (ENT), Oculoplastic Surgeons and licensed, aesthetic trained injectors practicing under state and local governance, to provide botulinum toxin treatments safely and effectively for patients. 
     
  • All questions regarding the authenticity of any BOTOX product can be directed to AbbVie and Allergan Aesthetics at (800) 255-5162. 
     
  • Further information may also be found at the BOTOX cosmetic website https:// www.botoxcosmetichcp.com