Counterfeit BOTOX®?!?! How to stay safe and identify real BOTOX®.

It’s time to talk about the fake BOTOX® crisis, or Feautox, if you will. In the past month, there have been 22 cases reported to the FDA of complications from fake BOTOX®, 11 of them being hospitalized. The complications include dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty lifting your head, and difficulty swallowing, among other things. These are side effects that should never be experienced after receiving legitimate BOTOX®. You should always see a doctor if you experience these things after receiving any type of treatment. Although it shouldn’t be something you have to worry about when being treated by the real deal.

Fake BOTOX® needs to be taken seriously and it's important to stay educated on the topic so you can keep yourself safe. Unfortunately, there are providers out there who are looking to make a quick buck and are willing to cause harm to others to do it. It’s important to note that AbbVie and Allergan Aesthetics are the sole distributors of BOTOX® in the United States and any BOTOX® that is not manufactured and purchased through them is illegal and counterfeit. AbbVie is working closely with the CDC to crack down on the fake BOTOX® and keep their customers safe.

How do you know if you’re getting counterfeit BOTOX®?

It goes without saying, if you’re coming to The Beauty Barn® you are getting the FDA-approved BOTOX® Cosmetic from AbbVie. But don’t take my word for it. Here are things that you can look for at your next BOTOX® appointment to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

Ask for credentials.

When you show up for your appointment, ask to see the business' and provider's license. Unfortunately, unlicensed individuals injecting BOTOX® is becoming more and more of an issue. It’s of the utmost importance that you are being injected by someone who is a licensed medical professional and who has been thoroughly trained in injecting BOTOX® and other cosmetic procedures. The risk of getting fake BOTOX® is obviously significantly higher when receiving treatment from a provider who's not even licensed.

A real vial.

Pay close attention to where they’re getting the BOTOX® from. If they’re coming into the room with prefilled syringes of BOTOX®, that’s not a good sign. The provider should be drawing up a syringe in front of you from a small vial. The most important thing to look for is that the vial actually has OnabotulinumtoxinA written on the vial and not just Botulinum Toxin Type A. The vial should have the Allergan brand hologram on it, and you can also check for the US license number, #1145. Lastly, a genuine BOTOX® vial only contains English language.

Price too good to be true?

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, if the price is too good to be true, it is. Be wary of suspiciously cheap BOTOX® as it often means it's coming from an unlicensed physician and that it's not the real thing.

The threat of fake BOTOX® is an unfortunate reality, but the more educated you are on the topic and the more aware you are, the safer you’ll stay. We encourage you to do your own research as well via fda.gov and cdc.gov. The most important thing to do is only go to a medical spa or office that is reputable and has providers you trust instead of looking for the cheapest option. If you have any further questions or concerns, we would love to help you. Leave a comment or text/call (678) 946 2050. Your safety is our priority.