Louisiana warns about Botox injections after two residents hospitalized

LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is urging residents to be cautious when receiving Botox injections.

The department issued a statement urging the public to avoid receiving botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, from unlicensed providers and non-medical settings. This warning follows reports of two Louisiana residents who became severely ill after such injections.

One patient received injections of an unlicensed product purchased online, while another individual received injections from someone with unknown licensure in a non-medical setting. Both were hospitalized due to severe illnesses.

LDH urges residents to stay safe by following these steps when getting injections:

• Make sure the product is sourced from a licensed supplier of FDA-approved botulinum toxin. Avoid purchasing Botox from online vendors or on social media, including TikTok.

• Make sure the provider is licensed and trained to give botulinum toxin injections.

• Ask your provider to confirm they are using an FDA-approved botulinum toxin product and that it was obtained from an authorized supplier.

• Get injections only in a licensed or accredited healthcare setting.

• Do not self-inject botulinum toxin products.

Individuals should see their healthcare provider or visit the emergency room if they experience blurry or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, or slurred speech.

LDH is urging the public to report any instances of suspected counterfeit Botox. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has a reporting hotline, 800-551-3989, and a criminal activity form.