Health warning issued after UK cases of life-threatening condition linked to Botox

Health officials have issued a warning over botulism, a life-threatening condition that causes paralysis, as multiple people in the UK have developed it after having Botox procedures.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said “a number of individuals” have presented with symptoms such as breathing difficulties after having cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin, which is best known by the brand name Botox.

Investigations so far suggest the use of an unlicensed Botox-like product, the agency added.

It is understood the practitioners involved are cooperating with the investigation and no longer offering the injections.

The latest cases relate to procedures carried out in the East of England and the East Midlands, and do not relate recent diagnoses in the North East.

A total of 38 cases of iatrogenic botulism have been reported in the UK between 4 June and 14 July.

The UKHSA is advising the public to make sure they take precautions with cosmetic procedures, such as making sure their practitioner uses licensed products.

It has also told clinicians to look out for botulism in people who have symptoms and may have recently had a cosmetic procedure.

“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,” she added. They include drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, facial muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulties.

Anyone who has had a recent botulinum toxin treatment and is experiencing symptoms should contact NHS 111 for further advice.

Treatments, including the use of an anti-toxin, should be administered in hospital, the NHS website states.

Professor Meghana Pandit, co-national medical director secondary care at NHS England, said: “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.

“If you decide to undergo a cosmetic procedure like Botox or lip fillers, there is advice on the NHS.uk website on the questions to ask, including making sure that the person administering it is trained to do it.”