Bogus BOTOX® Cosmetic: How to Avoid Counterfeit Injectables
Authentic BOTOX® Cosmetic offers an abundance of benefits when administered by a trained professional. However, unscrupulous individuals may try to take advantage of patients seeking facial rejuvenation by administering or supplying counterfeit formulas that may be ineffective and, more worrisome still, dangerous to use. Recently, the FDA discovered that an unlicensed supplier had infiltrated the U.S. market, and counterfeit BOTOX® Cosmetic may have been sold to clinics and doctors’ offices around the nation. How can you determine if the BOTOX® injections you’re receiving are safe? Our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Christine Petti, explains how to protect yourself from bogus injections:
If you’re considering BOTOX® injections, the most important step you can take is to choose a reliable, experienced, and licensed injector to perform your treatment. Once you arrive for your consultation, you can also inspect the BOTOX® Cosmetic packaging for signs the formula is counterfeit. Per the FDA, fake BOTOX® Cosmetic will list the active ingredient as “Botulinum Toxin Type A.” Genuine BOTOX® Cosmetic lists the active ingredient as “OnabotulinumtoxinA.” Furthermore, if the lot number on the vial is missing, or if there are no entries following “LOT: MFG: EXP:” you may have identified a counterfeit bottle. If this occurs, bring this to the attention of the practitioner immediately, and cancel the appointment.
Genuine BOTOX® Cosmetic remains as safe and effective as before this incident occurred, and the FDA has emphasized that patients should not be concerned about using real BOTOX® Cosmetic as intended. Dr. Petti has ensured that her practice is free of the counterfeit formula, and she always sources her cosmetic injectables through authorized suppliers.
If you have additional questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic and how you can protect yourself from counterfeit products, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Petti, please contact our office today.
