SweatSolutions.org: Woman Dies After Bogus Botox Injections

March/April 2006 Table of Contents:

» Can Antiperspirants Cause Alzheimer’s? An Expert Answer

» “Teen Sweat 101” Provides Info, Fun & Support

» Woman Dies After Bogus Botox Injections

» Annual Dermatology Meeting Full of Hyperhidrosis Pearls

» More Opportunities for Teens to Get Botox Treatment

» View Events

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Woman Dies After Bogus Botox Injections

(March/April 2006) News was recently released that a woman from Castroville, California, died in November 2005 after receiving phony Botox cosmetic injections from a hairstylist. Another of the hairstylist’s clients has serious medical problems and is scheduled to have surgery to remove the unknown substance she was injected with. Monterey California sheriff’s deputies arrested Martha Vasquez, 39, on suspicion of practicing medicine without a license, which is a felony. A license to practice medicine is required to administer Botox. Vasquez may also be charged with manslaughter.

Authorities believe that Vasquez advertised the fake Botox injections to customers who were seeing her for haircuts and administered the injections in her clients’ homes. It is not yet known what Vasquez injected her clients with but investigators have concluded that the substance administered was not Botox or any other botulinum toxin substance. Botox, manufactured by Allergan, Inc. of Irvine, California, is the only botulinum toxin type A product that is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and licensed. Botox has been studied clinically for 20 years and has been FDA-approved for use in the U.S. for 17 years.

Over one million patients worldwide have been helped by Botox and every day thousands of people safely receive Botox injections to treat conditions ranging from debilitating muscle contractions to wrinkles. In the U.S. alone, Botox is approved to treat the inability of the eyes to work together properly, involuntary contractions of neck muscles, underarm hyperhidrosis, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Additionally, Botox is used “off-label” to treat other conditions. Medical literature indicates that Botox is “remarkably safe” and that the vast majority of consumers (96.7%) who have received Botox injections felt unstressed by the procedure.

But while Botox has a long history of safe use, imitation products and improper use are grave concerns which Botox-manufacturer Allergan takes very seriously. The manufacturing and packaging of Botox, the company assures consumers, is subject to extraordinarily rigorous quality control and quality assurance processes that are overseen by regulatory authorities. Additionally, Allergan has a number of measures in place to deter the sale or distribution of unlicensed alternatives to Botox. For instance, Allergan has a sophisticated system in place for tracking the shipment of each Botox vial sold. And, Allergan uses holographic film on Botox vials so it is easy for physicians and consumers to determine receipt of the authentic product. To view the hologram:

1) Examine the vial under a desk lamp or fluorescent light source
2) Rotate the vial back and forth between your fingers; look for horizontal lines of rainbow color on the label
3) Confirm that the name "ALLERGAN" appears within the rainbow lines.

These safeguards should inspire confidence but there are still other steps Botox patients can take to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unethical practitioners, says Douglas S. Ingram, Allergan’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

Use common sense when choosing a physician. Research his or her credentials and training.

Accept Botox injections only from licensed medical providers who are properly trained and qualified. The injections should be given in a legitimate medical atmosphere by a licensed physician, or by a skilled nurse under the supervision of a physician.

If you have any doubts or questions, call 1-800-433-8871 to speak to an Allergan representative.

By being proactive, doing appropriate research into a physician’s credentials, and examining the vial from which your physician is dispensing Botox, you can feel secure that you are getting the genuine article – and therefore getting the treatment and peace of mind you deserve.