The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) issued a public safety alert Thursday, cautioning the public to avoid receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed providers or in non-medical settings.

Two unrelated cases in September led to severe illness requiring hospitalization. One patient received injections of a counterfeit botulinum toxin product purchased online, and one patient received injections from an individual with unknown licensure in a non-medical setting. Both began experiencing botulism-like symptoms a few days following the injections, according to the LDH.

LDH urges residents to stay safe by following these steps:

• When getting botulinum toxin 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.
• See your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of botulism. Do not hesitate to seek healthcare — a suspected case of botulism is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle weakness

LDH encourages residents to report suspected counterfeit botulinum toxin to the FDA and to report harmful reactions related to the use of any medication through an alleged criminal activity form linked in the alert.

Read the full safety alert at Louisiana Department of Health >>