Botulinum toxin, otherwise known as Botox, is a neurotoxin protein that is more known for its cosmetic indications. However, Botox is widely used in the treatment of migraines, cerebral palsy, dystonia, muscle spasms, and numerous other medical conditions in children and adults. Unfortunately, the use of Botox has been associated with potentially lethal complications.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Botox, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum sold commercially under the brand name Botox. As a product of Allergan Inc., Botox was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in very small doses to treat, both, painful muscle spasms and as a cosmetic treatment.
Unfortunately, many patients have the neurotoxin administered without knowing about the potentially fatal Botox side effects that coincide with it. Patients who use Botox may develop asthenia, generalized muscle weakness, diplopia, ptosis, dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria, urinary incontinence and breathing difficulties that can prove to be fatal for anyone, especially children. Due to these dangerous side effects, numerous Botox lawsuits have been filed against Allergan Inc.
Side Effects of Botox
The following side effects are potentially adverse reactions that patients may experience while using Botox:
- Spread of Toxin Effects
- Hypersensitivity
- Dysphagia and Breathing Difficulties
- Bronchitis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Recent studies suggest that the effects of Botox, and all botulinum toxin products, have the potential to spread away from the injection site and produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. Therefore, side effects may include asthenia, generalized muscle weakness, diplopia, ptosis, dysphagia, dysphonia, dysarthria, urinary incontinence and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms may develop anywhere between hours or weeks after the initial injection. In severe cases, swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening to children.
FDA Warning
On April 30, 2009, based on a safety evaluation of the botulinum toxin products, the FDA has concluded that the prescribing information for OnabotulinumtoxinA (marketed as Botox/Botox Cosmetic) must be updated to ensure their continued safe use. As a result, the FDA, under the authorities granted by the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) of 2007, approved the following revisionsto the prescribing information of Botox/Botox Cosmetic:
- A Boxed Warning highlighting the possibility of experiencing potentially life-threatening distant spread of toxin effect from the injection site after local injection.
- A Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that includes a Medication Guide to help patients understand the risks and benefits of botulinum toxin products.
- Changes to the established drug names to reinforce individual potencies and prevent medication errors. The potency units are specific to each botulinum toxin product, and the doses or units of biological activity cannot be compared or converted from one product to any other botulinum toxin product. The new established names reinforce these differences and the lack of interchangeability among products.
Do I have a Botox Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Botox lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Botox, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.