THE WHAT?   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the distribution of counterfeit versions of AbbVie’s Botox, which have been administered for cosmetic purposes across various states. The alert comes after reports of harmful reactions linked to these counterfeit products.

THE DETAILS  The counterfeit Botox was reportedly given by unlicensed or untrained individuals in non-healthcare settings such as homes and spas. As of April 12, there have been 19 reported cases of harmful reactions in nine states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside the FDA are conducting an ongoing investigation to track and address the issue.

THE WHY? This alert underscores the significant health risks posed by counterfeit cosmetic products. The FDA is actively collaborating with AbbVie to trace and eliminate the counterfeit Botox from circulation. This situation highlights the critical need for vigilance among consumers and healthcare providers about the source and administration of cosmetic injections.