Spike in potentially fatal condition linked to ‘fake botox’ sparks urgent probe
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Sales of ‘fake Botox’ investigated after dozens of botulism cases
- Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake Botox after 28 cases of botulism were reported in North East England.
- Botulism, a rare and potentially fatal condition, typically sees only six cases annually across England, making the recent surge in Durham and Darlington highly unusual.
- All reported cases are linked to people who recently underwent cosmetic procedures, experiencing severe symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty swallowing.
- One patient, Nicola Fairley, described her forehead freezing within two hours of receiving what she believed was a stronger Botox.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating, reminding people that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and advising public caution.