(May 13, 2023)
In a two-week enforcement operation, authorities reported that Cincinnati-based US Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted multiple parcels containing unauthorized injectable cosmetic substances, such as Botox and Juvéderm.
The illegal fillers originated from countries including Bulgaria, Spain, China, and Korea. They were en route to various states across the US, such as Oregon, South Carolina, Florida, and New York, per the federal agency’s account.
According to a news announcement, the officers confiscated 78 parcels of these unauthorized products, which, had they been authentic and sanctioned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), would have had a market value approaching $175,400.
The release states that the FDA monitors injectable cosmetic treatments due to potential risks from unknown or harmful ingredients. These treatments can be used safely under the guidance of certified medical professionals for various health issues and beauty enhancements, like reducing facial lines, as per the release.
“Buying unapproved injectables poses a health and safety threat,” commented Richard Gillespie, the Cincinnati port director.
“Opting for a cheaper alternative is not always the best choice, particularly when it involves the health and wellbeing of your family,” added Gillespie.
Authorities intercepted one consignment of banned Botox from Hong Kong, potentially valued at $9,000. This consignment contained ten vials of the botulinum toxin, equivalent to around 1,500 injections.
Other confiscated injectable cosmetic treatments included Meditoxon, Dermalax, Neuramis, Restylane, Hutox, and Sculptra.
Dan Solis, the FDA’s assistant commissioner for import operations, warned, “We can’t confirm whether these drugs were produced under acceptable manufacturing conditions, and the sterility of these products isn’t always guaranteed.”
In a related incident from November 2022, Lindsay Clark, a doctor based in the San Francisco area, admitted guilt in selling and using unapproved products she falsely marketed as authentic Botox and Juvéderm, per the US Department of Justice. Clark violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by procuring and distributing misbranded and non-FDA-approved drugs from overseas. Clark’s practice reportedly gained over $1 million from selling and using these unapproved products.
How To Tell If Your Botox is Legit
When patients arrive at our medical practice, they need not worry about the legitimacy of our Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and other fillers. We adhere strictly to a protocol designed to ensure the authenticity of these treatments.
Whenever a patient arrives for Botox or any injectable treatment, our medical assistant opens the product box and prepares the syringe in front of the patient. Patients should be aware that illegal imports of injectables and fillers can be common in some areas, and they should be vigilant against counterfeit products.
Patients can validate this using the internet search term ‘Allergan Botox doctors. Entering your ZIP code into the Allergan site generates a list of doctors contracted by Allergan to administer Botox injections.
This enables patients to verify Botox’s origin directly from Allergan. Suspiciously low prices should raise red flags. For safety, Botox should only be injected if it comes from Allergan. An incorrect dosage could be harmful.
In addition to choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who practices within their specialization, the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) provides further guidelines to confirm the authenticity of Botox.
Vials usually have a holographic image on the label, bearing the name ‘Allergan’ in rainbow-colored horizontal lines. Rotate the vial between your fingers under a desk lamp or fluorescent light source to see this hologram. The product is likely counterfeit if this image is absent or replaced by a shiny sticker. Also, ensure that the box’s lot number and expiration date match those on the vial inside. If they don’t, the product isn’t authentic. Lastly, FDA-approved Botox lists ‘OnabotulinumtoxinA’ as the active ingredient. It should raise the alarm if it states ‘Botulinum Toxin Type A’ instead.
We echo the importance of the hologram-on-the-box check. “All Botox boxes have a hologram on the side, which a patient can look for if concerned about the product’s origin.” In addition, each vial label and carton carries U.S. License number 1145, as stated by Allergan.
Expired or contaminated products can pose severe health risks. Patients’ best defense is to consult a board-certified physician. Counterfeit or expired Botox Cosmetic symptoms include severe swelling, intense, long-lasting bruises, and shortness of breath. Should these symptoms occur, patients seek immediate medical help.
