Thirty-eight cases of botulism poisoning have been recorded in England in the last six weeks after the suspected use of unlicensed Botox-like products in cosmetic procedures, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, a key ingredient in the injection.
Cases have been recorded in the East, East Midlands and the North East regions.
The UKHSA urged those seeking treatments to obtain proof that their Botox practitioner was qualified and that their products were licensed.
According to the UKHSA, the evidence so far suggests clinics involved in the cases have used unlicensed Botox-like products.
In the most recent cases, recorded in East England and the East Midlands, patients had difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulties requiring respiratory support.
Other symptoms of botulism can include droopy eyelids, double vision and weak facial muscles.
Dr Gauri Godbole, of UKHSA, said botulism related to aesthetic procedures was rare but could be serious. She added that symptoms could take up to four weeks to develop and urged anyone who suspected they were suffering to contact the NHS 111 service.
Botox can only be prescribed after a consultation between you and a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse.
While the person signing the prescription doesn't have to give the injection, they should ensure the person injecting is qualified to do so.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: "Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK.
"This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA's standards for quality and safety."
Source: BBC News, 18 July 2025
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