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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Andy Gregory

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.

IN FULL

Spike in potentially fatal condition linked to ‘fake botox’ sparks urgent probe

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