Botox

Botox, a popular anti-wrinkle drug has been linked to serious side effects including death. A popular drug used to treat wrinkles and a version called Botox cosmetic and a competitor called Myobloc interfere with nerve impulses to muscles causing them to relax.

The drugs have been shown to spread beyond the site of injection throughout the body affecting the muscles used for breathing and swallowing. When the muscles used for ancillary bodily functions are paralyzed or weakened death can result.

These types of drugs are best known for minimizing wrinkles by affecting the facial muscles. However, the toxin is also used for other muscles spasm conditions such as neck spasms or cervical dystonia.

All of the deaths to date have involved children mostly with cerebral palsy. The drug was being used to treat leg spasticity. The use of the drug by physicians in this condition is considered off label use in that it has not been approved for that use by the FDA.

People taking these class of drugs in the form of injections should be advised that they can suffer symptoms of botulism toxicity including difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech, muscle weakness or difficulty holding up their head.

Up until now, the Botox warnings from the manufacturer have been related to side effects suffered by people with neuromuscular disease. The FDA has now indicated that the side effects may be applicable to a wider range of patients. As we speak this story is still being written. Care and common sense must be exercised by all those who receive Botox injections. Physician monitoring and communication is essential.


If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the Malpractice Law Offices of Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County.
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Joseph Miklos