Personal Injury Law

Botox Warnings - Know the risks before being injected.

By Steve Lombardi

The FDA has issued an early communication, or warning, that Botox and Botox Cosmetic are being reviewed for safety warnings in light of reports received. There are 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.

You're encouraged to read the entire report at the FDA site by following this link:

[ http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#botox ]

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on February 10, 2008 (boomark / email).