Overview
- LDH reports two unrelated severe illnesses in September among Louisiana residents after botulinum toxin injections, with both patients hospitalized.
- One case involved an unlicensed product purchased online, while the other involved injections by a person of unknown licensure in a non-medical setting.
- Patients developed botulism-like symptoms within days, including blurry or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, breathing problems, and muscle weakness.
- Officials note adverse events reported across the U.S. linked to counterfeit products marketed on social media, including vendors using TikTok for advertising and WhatsApp for transactions.
- Residents are urged to receive injections only from licensed, trained providers using FDA-approved products from authorized suppliers in licensed or accredited facilities, avoid self-injection, seek urgent care if symptoms arise, and report suspected counterfeit products to the FDA.