“Off Label” Uses of Botox Lead to Many Deaths, Injuries

Botox is best known as a cosmetic product that is helpful in creating a more youthful appearance by reducing facial wrinkles, loose skin, and other imperfections. However, Botox is commonly used to treat a wide range of other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, for which the drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These “off label” uses of Botox account for many of the serious injuries and deaths associated with the drug each year.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment

While Botox has not been approved by the FDA for treating cerebral palsy, the drug is commonly used to control the muscle spasms that are common with the neurological disorder, particularly in young children. By injecting Botox into the affected muscles, some doctors have been able to reduce the muscle spasticity associated with cerebral palsy. However, Botox is a powerful toxin which can be particularly harmful to young cerebral palsy patients. The substance can migrate inside the body from the injection point into the lungs and heart, often with deadly consequences.

The FDA also has warned that Botox could result in botulism symptoms, which have accounted for several deaths of children who had cerebral palsy.

Other Common Off-Label Uses

Botox is widely used to treat symptoms of many conditions for which the drug is not FDA-approved. The most common “off label” uses of Botox include:

Involuntary head movements due to neck and shoulder muscle contractions (Cervical Dystonia)
Severe underarm sweating
Migrane headaches
Tennis elbow
Excessive itching
Enlarged prostate
Post-stroke muscle tightness

Botox Legal Representation if Available

If you or a loved one has been injured by an “off label” use of Botox injections for cerebral palsy or another condition, you may have rights to be financially compensated for your medical bills, lost income and other damages. At Mark & Associates, P.C., our personal injury attorneys have handled off-label Botox injury cases and have the resources to achieve the best possible legal outcome in your case. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) or filling out the form at the left.

FDA Warns Botox Users

In February 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health warning to consumers about reports of deaths, breathing problems, and other adverse reactions caused by Botox. Some of the deaths and injuries involved unapproved uses of Botox in patients battling cerebral palsy patients and severe muscle spasms.

Cosmetic Uses

Botox is most commonly administered in elective, cosmetic procedures for patients hoping to improve their appearance by decreasing facial wrinkles and skin creases. Botox may be injected directly into the skin around the eyes, noses, and mouths of patients with laugh lines, Crow’s feet, and other facial imperfections they want to minimize.

Cerebral Palsy and Other Off-Label Uses

While Botox is best known as a cosmetic wrinkle reducer, it is also is frequently used by doctors to treat symptoms of cerebral palsy, muscle spasms, excessive sweating and other conditions. These “off-label uses” of the product have not been approved by the FDA and represent a large portion of the Botox-related injuries and deaths reported each year.