A trip to the cosmetic surgeon to do something about that furrowed brow could do more than paralyze your forehead muscles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released information regarding an ongoing safety review of Botox, Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B), the usage of which has been linked to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death.
Botox is probably most well known for freezing up facial muscles, which relaxes the wrinkles in the skin and is derived from the dangerous botulism bacteria. It’s been used for years for various treatments, including certain eye muscle problems. The applications of Botox have evolved as more uses have been discovered. The adverse reactions were found in both approved and non-approved uses. The most severe adverse effects were found in children treated for spasticity in their limbs associated with cerebral palsy; however such treatment is not an FDA-approved use of botulism toxins in children or adults.
Some of the reactions may be related to overdosing and there is no evidence that these reactions are related to any defect in the products at this time.
Additional side effects with approved doses and uses of Botox include droopy eyelids, feeling like you have the flu, headache and upset stomach.
The more severe reactions appear to be related to the spread of the toxin to areas distant from the site of injection, and mimic symptoms of botulism, which may include difficulty swallowing, weakness and breathing problems.
The agency is currently reviewing safety data from clinical studies submitted by the drugs’ manufacturers and is not advising that health care professionals discontinue prescribing the products. Once a review of the data has been completed the FDA plans to continue communicating to the public its recommendations, and any regulatory actions.
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Heather Bartlett is a regular contributor for The Bay Net.
She is also an artist (www.HeatherBartlettArt.com) and co-creator of the political group blog www.CharlesCountyCafe.com.
bartlett@thebaynet.com.