FDA Warns Botox Users and Physicians of Possible Risks

The Food and Drug Administration has warned cosmetic surgeons, neurologists, other health care professionals, and consumers about the dangers of Botox. In February 2008, the agency issued a public health advisory after receiving reports of widespread adverse reactions to the drug, including respiratory failure and deaths.

Most of the injuries that involved hospitalization and death were to children suffering from cerebral palsy and associated limb spasticity (arm and leg muscle spasms). While Botox is not FDA-approved for treating the symptoms of cerebral palsy, many physicians use the drug to control the muscle contractions that are common in people battling the disease. Such “off-label” uses of Botox are common and represent a large percentage of injuries and deaths associated with Botox.

Botox Can Spread to Lungs and Other Internal Organs

The primary danger of Botox is that once it is injected into the skin, the substance can spread from the injection point to other parts of the body. Botox is most commonly injected into a patient’s neck or face, so it can quickly spread to a person’s lungs, throat, or vocal cords and can paralyze or weaken the muscles used to breath, swallow, or speak.

Get Botox Injury Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured by Botox, contact the experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys at Mark & Associates, P.C., for legal advice. We will discuss your legal rights with you and evaluate your possible claim. If we agree to take your case, we will fight for the financial compensation to which you are entitled. 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.