Health officials have issued an urgent warning about a paralysing infection linked to Botox after 38 people fell sick. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism after more Brits suffered reactions following cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin, also known as Botox.
The UKHSA said new cases in the east of England and East Midlands suggest the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product. They aren’t thought to be linked to cases reported in the north east of England in June. Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Botulism related to aesthetic procedures is rare, but it can be serious.
“It is caused by toxins produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. These toxins, but not the bacteria, are the active ingredient in Botox and similar products.
“Symptoms of botulism can take up to four weeks to develop and if you have had a recent botulinum toxin (Botox-like) treatment and are having symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact NHS 111 for further advice and seek treatment.”
Reactions have included severe eyelid drooping, double vision, trouble swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, which can happen even weeks after a procedure.
There have been 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism – a rare form of the illness which happens as a result of medical treatment – reported between June 4 and July 14, according to UKHSA data.
Dr Godbole also urged anyone considering having cosmetic procedures to check that their practitioner is licensed.
Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director Secondary Care at NHS England, added: “When these procedures go wrong, there is a risk of serious infections and permanent scarring, which is why only registered professionals like a doctor, a nurse or pharmacy prescriber should be prescribing these treatments.”
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, warned that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine.
She said it should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
The doctor added: “Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK.
“This means there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can endanger the health of the people who take them.”
Dr Cave said the MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. She said this can include criminal prosecution.
The UKHSA said the practitioners involved with the latest cases have ceased the procedure and are co-operating with the investigation.
The agency advises healthcare staff to make sure they look out for botulism in people who may have had recent aesthetic procedures. Treatment for the symptoms includes an anti-toxin.