FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local health departments are now investigating illnesses linked to injections of botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox.
The CDC and FDA say the injections were administered in non-medical settings such as Botox parties at people's homes or cosmetic spas.
Dr. Sandy Johnson of Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith says that was their first mistake.
"You should only go to get injections of Botox or filler by a trained core physician or practice. And so go to your dermatologist, go to your plastic surgeon, go to somebody with experience," she said.
As of April 18, the CDC has reported that 22 people from 11 states have developed severe complications after receiving
"counterfeit" injections. Of the 22 people, they have reported experiencing blurry and double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and weakness.
Dr. Johnson encourages people to do their homework before receiving any kind of filler.
"People need to ask three questions. One, is your injector licensed in their state to practice medicine because injection of fillers and Botox are a medical procedure," she said. "Two, how long have they been doing it and what is their training? And then three, are you in a licensed facility?"
Although the CDC has reported several people across the country receiving counterfeit injections, Dr. Johnson says Botox and fillers are still very safe.
"Botox, with the proper products in the proper hand, is safe and effective," she said.
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