Botox Side Effects

Botox injections have been extremely common in recent years for those who want wrinkles removed from their faces, and for a time this strategy seemed to work wonders for those who trusted it.  These injections were fast, relatively affordable and easily overcome in terms of any lasting effects, most of which were reported merely as minor pain. 

Feb 8, 2008: FDA issues Warning on Botox Deaths:

FDA issued an early communication about an ongoing safety review regarding Botox and Botox Cosmetic. FDA has received reports of systemic adverse reactions including respiratory compromise and death following the use of botulinum toxins types A and B for both FDA-approved and unapproved uses. The reactions reported are suggestive of botulism, which occurs when botulinum toxin spreads in the body beyond the site where it was injected. The most serious cases had outcomes that included hospitalization and death, and occurred mostly in children treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity. Use of botulinum toxins for treatment of limb spasticity (severe arm and leg muscle spasms) in children or adults is not an approved use in the U.S. See the FDA's "Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review" for Agency recommendations and additional information for healthcare professionals.

Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary including a link to the FDA's Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#botox

However, recent reports have hit the media involving the reporting of serious side effects as a result of using Botox injections, and these reports were generated by the Ralph Nader-founded consumer advocacy group known as Public Citizen, which tracked 180 reports of problems with Botox to the FDA and found three very side effects to be the most serious. 

Each of these side effects is briefly described below, but if you have been injured as a result of Botox injections, you need to contact a defective products attorney as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.

Aspiration Pneumonia a Botox Reaction:

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that’s the result of inhaling foreign materials, which the lung is unable to expel easily.  When the lungs are unable to remove a substance, fluid builds up in the lungs and an infection results.  Apparently, this condition is linked to Botox injections because minute particles of the substance in Botox is finding its way into patients’ lungs.

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Partial Paralysis from Botox Injections:

The second side effect that’s allegedly linked to Botox injections is partial paralysis.  Although the link has yet to be definitively proven in a full laboratory study, it’s alleged by some that when the Botox injection leaks into such areas as the esophagus, it can lead to partial paralysis, and this partial paralysis is as of now of indefinite duration.

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Botox Death Reported:

Of the 180 reports tracked by Public Citizen, 16 people died, and four were under the age of 18.  Obviously, there is no need to describe this condition, but if you are experiencing muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech or droopy eyelids, seek immediate medical attention. 

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Your Next Step if Injured from Botox:

As you see, Botox injections are not completely safe, at least according to Public Citizen and the 87 people who were hospitalized from the 180 who were studied.  If you have been injured as a result of a Botox treatment, contact a defective products attorney immediately to schedule an initial consultation. 

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