According to the FDA and the CDC, there has been an increase of non-healthcare individuals doing injections and an increase in injectors using non-FDA approved products, such as counterfeit Botox, on their patients.
If you come across an injector that is an imposter and is pretending to be a healthcare professional, then report them to the state. Be sure to verify their licensing prior to submitting the complaint. Also, you should never self-administer injections unless you have been trained to do so by a healthcare professional.
As for the non-FDA approved products, they are often sold online or through unauthorized retailers at a lower price. These products and services may be offered at a very low price; however, they pose a significant risk to your health. According to the FDA, purchasing products from unlicensed sources means the medications/products may be misbranded, fake, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective and/or unsafe. The FDA has found that the counterfeit Botox currently being used is causing symptoms such as blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, constipation, incontinence, shortness of breath, weakness and difficulty lifting one’s head.
There are several ways you can protect yourself:
Tip #1 - Be sure your injector is qualified
Every state should have regulations or laws stating who is allowed to perform aesthetic injections. Not every state requires a healthcare professional to inject patients. This can be very dangerous. Aesthetic injections should always be performed by a trained healthcare professional.
Tip #2 - Be sure the product being used is FDA-Approved
There are certain companies that can sell aesthetic products used in the United States. These companies are FDA-Approved. Some of the FDA-Approved companies right now are Merz, Revanesse, Revance, Galderma, and Allergan.
Tip #3 - Be sure the product is stored and handled appropriately
Products should be stored at the correct temperature. Each product has its own temperature requirements. The product should not be expired. The product should not be opened until it is ready for use.
Tip #4 - Make sure the needles and syringes are new and sterile
You want your injector to use needles and syringes that have never been used before. You do not want a syringe with product in it to be used by two different patients, even if the needle is new. You also want your injector to use gloves, cleanse the area with the appropriate anti-microbial products, and the use a sterile (germ-free) space to place the product and equipment being used.
Tip #5 - Be sure the product being injected is appropriate for you
Make sure to discuss the contraindications and possible side effects with your injector. Your injector should discuss with you any medical conditions that would not be appropriate to receive injections, as these conditions can place you at a higher risk of having an adverse reaction.
Protect yourself! Do your research and ask questions!
Discuss your aftercare instructions with your injector so you know what to look for when you get home. After receiving aesthetic injections, you want to keep the area clean. Be sure to monitor the injection site for any signs of infection or a bad reaction. If you experience any adverse reactions following an injection, report these to your healthcare provider immediately. You should only utilize the emergency room if you are having a moderate to severe reaction that cannot be handled by your injector. Mild side effects can be redness, swelling, or slight pain at the injection site.
FDA Counterfeit Botox: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/counterfeit-version-botox-found-multiple-states
Adverse Events Should be Reported to the FDA: MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
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