France Issues Urgent Warning After New Botulism Cases Linked to Illegal Botox Injections
French health authorities are again sounding the alarm following a recent surge in cases of botulism connected to unauthorized Botox injections. The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and health Products (ANSM) is reiterating warnings about the severe health risks associated with seeking cosmetic procedures outside of regulated medical settings.
The latest alerts build on a previous warning issued in February, when eight women were hospitalized with severe botulism symptoms following injections administered by unqualified individuals in the Paris region between August and september 2024. botulism, a serious neurological disease, can be fatal, particularly when the toxin is used in uncontrolled doses or sourced from unauthorized products.Symptoms include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, and trouble speaking or swallowing.
The ANSM emphasizes that botulinum toxin injections for aesthetic purposes must onyl be performed by licensed healthcare professionals – including plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeons, dermatologists, face and neck surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and ophthalmologists – within a secure medical environment. Authorized medications, with proven safety and efficacy, are essential.
“The use of injections outside the medical environment presents major risks, such as infections, skin necrosis, allergic reactions or even death,” the ANSM stated.
Botulinum toxin for cosmetic use is strictly reserved for professional application and is available only through pharmacies or directly from the manufacturer/official supplier to qualified doctors with a valid prescription. Sale via the internet or directly to the public is prohibited.Individuals seeking Botox treatments are urged to verify the credentials of the practitioner and the legitimacy of the product to protect their health.