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Botulinum Toxin

Brand names: Botox, Dysport, Myobloc, and others

Hollywood stars are so nonchalant when talking about botulinum toxin (Botox and similar drugs) that you might assume these injections are harmless miracle-treatments (but for the price tag), a modern-day fountain of youth. But the truth is that can have serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects.

In 2008, Public Citizen petitioned the FDA for a black box warning to be placed on the drug label; an FDA-approved Medication Guide for patients; and a “Dear Doctor” letter, all alerting doctors and patients to the serious problems associated with Botox.

In April 2009, the FDA granted the petition in full, and even went further to require companies to conduct additional studies examining the use of the drug for the treatment of spasticity associated with cerebral palsy, an unapproved use.

In 2023, Public Citizen petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promptly emphasize the risk of iatrogenic botulism in the labeling of approved botulinum-toxin drugs (such as Botox and related drugs) and remove misleading promotional claims from Botox and Botox Cosmetic labeling.

More Information on Botulinum Toxin (Botox, Dysport, Myobloc, and others)