Botox Lawsuit Over Botulism Poisoning Results in $15M Award

An Oklahoma City doctor who claimed to have suffered botulism poisoning from Botox has been awarded $15 million in a product liability lawsuit filed against Allergan Inc., the manufacturer of the anti-wrinkle injection. 

On Tuesday, a jury voted 9-3 that Allergan was negligent in their labeling of Botox injections, and 10-2 to award Sharla Helton damages. Helton, 48, allegedly suffered botulism after receiving injections to combat wrinkles in 2006. Pain and weakness from the side effects of Botox caused her to sell her medical practice and resign as medical director of Lakeside Women’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Botox, which contains small quantities of the bacteria associated with the development of botulism poisoning, is approved for both cosmetic use to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin and to treat medical conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes), hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), cervical dystonia (involuntary contractions of the neck muscles) and blepharospasms (involuntary blinking of the eye). However, it also commonly used off-label at high doses to treat stiff and jerky movements associated with cerebral palsy in children.

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A number of problems with Botox have been reported among users, where the medication can spread from the area of the injection to other parts of the body. This can result in symptoms of botulism poisoning, such as paralysis, difficulty swallowing, respiratory distress and other issues. These Botox reactions have most commonly been seen among children with cerebral palsy, where the typical Botox dose is substantially larger.

The decision comes about three months after an Orange County jury ruled in favor of Allergan in a wrongful death Botox lawsuit brought by Dee Spears, whose daughter, Kristen Spears, died in November 2007 after receiving injections of Botox to treat her cerebral palsy. Allergan attorneys argued that Spears’ daughter died of complications due to cerebral palsy, not as a result of problems with Botox.

Following that defense verdict, Allergan began to go after Spears for the cost of the Botox litigation, suing her for $460,000 in legal costs. Spears is unemployed, having lost her job during the trial. Her attorney has called Allergan’s tactics corporate bullying.

Allergan is also suing the FDA, challenging the federal agency’s ban on “off-label” drug promotion, which prohibits drug companies from marketing drugs like Botox for uses the FDA has not approved.

After the Helton trial, company officials reiterated that Botox does not cause botulism. However, the FDA has warned that Botox causes “botulism-like” side effects.

In February 2008, the FDA issued a warning about the risks associated with use of Botox to treat cerebral palsy, after receiving a number of adverse event reports involving sudden death, breathing problems and other potentially life-threatening injuries. A “black box” Botox warning was added to the medication in August 2009, warning about the risk of botulism-like side effects, such as swallowing and breathing difficulties, that can occur if the injection spreads to other areas of the body.

More than a dozen people have filed Botox lawsuits against Allergan, alleging that the company illegally promoted the medication for non-approved uses and failed to adequately warn about the risk of these severe and potentially life-threatening Botox injuries.

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29 Comments

  • DanielleMarch 31, 2021 at 5:04 am

    I have been Getting Dysport for wrinkles. At first everything was fine. A year ago I started getting sick. I constantly feel like I have the flu. The time before last I couldn’t breathe, weakness all over my body and flu like symptoms. This last time I couldn’t breathe again and my throat started to close. Its been a living hell from that moment on. Now I have blurry vision and have extreme head[Show More]I have been Getting Dysport for wrinkles. At first everything was fine. A year ago I started getting sick. I constantly feel like I have the flu. The time before last I couldn’t breathe, weakness all over my body and flu like symptoms. This last time I couldn’t breathe again and my throat started to close. Its been a living hell from that moment on. Now I have blurry vision and have extreme headaches with severe flu like symptoms and anxiety from all the stress. I stopped working a year ago because I’ve been so ill. I kept getting injections because they all say it’s not the Botox. I asked the doctors and all of them say Botox/Dysport cannot do this. It’s not the dysport they all say. My doctor told me people have more chance of getting negative side effects from Tylenol and ibuprofen. He said Botox and Dysport are like candy. I’m here to tell you, they are NOT like candy. After the last injections I know IT IS THE BOTOX.

  • cynthiaFebruary 10, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    I had severe sinus infection and believe the Botox migrated! Didnt know I had sinus infection till 3 weeks after Botox in forhead! Also Doctor banned me from his facility because i wanted answers to my questions. He admitted he did wrong placement. I had trouble speaking ,thinking,highanxiety, severe fatigue couldnt get up to do simplest tasks. He said it wasnt the Botox but after 3 x same symptom[Show More]I had severe sinus infection and believe the Botox migrated! Didnt know I had sinus infection till 3 weeks after Botox in forhead! Also Doctor banned me from his facility because i wanted answers to my questions. He admitted he did wrong placement. I had trouble speaking ,thinking,highanxiety, severe fatigue couldnt get up to do simplest tasks. He said it wasnt the Botox but after 3 x same symptoms but this time got worse! Nobody warned me about how it can migrate etc. I still 4 months later not myself

  • cynthiaNovember 5, 2019 at 7:12 pm

    I am writing on here because right now am suffering in such a degree .I am still searching for answers and going to doctors. My first visit was to have wrinkles removed from my forehead .When I got home I felt fatigued and at the same time my heart was racing and some sinus issues mild .My next visit my doctor up the units from 25 to 36 units. again when I got home ,Fatigue and this time for a wee[Show More]I am writing on here because right now am suffering in such a degree .I am still searching for answers and going to doctors. My first visit was to have wrinkles removed from my forehead .When I got home I felt fatigued and at the same time my heart was racing and some sinus issues mild .My next visit my doctor up the units from 25 to 36 units. again when I got home ,Fatigue and this time for a week ! This time literally could barely get off couch and do anything Sinuses again stinging and runny.After that I was fine about a week .Oh and high anxiety again .I thought maybe it was from the numbing solution for my lips because at the dentist I cant have epinephrine thats in the numbinging stuff .So I also asked my Botox doctor if the fatigue and heart racing was a side effect, and did it cause any issues with your sinuses? He said no! So here we go.... The last time my 3rd time Botox in the forehead... I told him I wanted exactly what he had done last time because it was the best turn out yet. So He didnt listen ! and Mind you I still had Botox there my wrinkles hadnt come back it was more a touch up. He didnt do same injections, in fact he gave me 40 units more than last time. Plus, injected sites I didnt tell him I wanted. he said he had extra and didnt want to waste it. When I got home 3 hours later,I was literally frozen to the couch for a week my husband made dinner etc. I could bring myself to do anything i was so fatigued.Then the second week still fatigued My emotions were all over the place! I was crying ,lashing out,I was so unhappy my mind was in confusion! I was getting scared at this point.Still feeling fatigued 3rd week sinuses were acting up. headache was worse than ever and I always get a headache after injections but this headaches were different,and looked in mirror my face OMYG! Skin overlapping my eyelids eyebrows lowered anddddddd the skin on my face hanging like old woman ! I had wrinkles I never had! My skin actually felt movement when i bent over ! So now I am really freaked out I made appointment to see my doctor and he denied everything refused to show me my records of injection sites.I already had seen them prior because before he got into the room his assistant showed me and the sites were totally different from what he did.So now I am really confused and I asked to see them and he refused me. Why would he do this .he also prior had admitted he screwed up and that he would give me half off of next time .That he didnt remember either he actually got mad at me after calling him out on what I asked of him to do and he didnt do it. So My husband wanted money back he refused and said I needed to talk to manager his manager.I tried explaining to her and she treated me like I was nuts and trying to get money from this. That was not my intention I really wanted is explanation and what could we do to fix this problem . By the way my lips were screwed up too. I went to the doctor because I had an infection. The antibiotics worked some but my head after a month is killing my sinuses are crazy and By the way I am very up smiling happy person I cant seem to get there. This permanent frown and sad face I have now and confusion .My point out of all this is It is the BOTOX that caused all of these symptoms I know this and This doctor is refusing now to see me again. So I cant explain what is happening .I tried earlier but my mind and emotions some will say its because of what happened ,ITS NOT I had no control of my mind and body and that it happened 3 times and got worse each time the amount went up Its most definitley the Botox! It was like someone turn the switch off on my body my emotions its was the worst feeling and still is .Can anyone tell me

  • SFebruary 25, 2017 at 2:31 am

    I came to this site looking for clues to why I have suddenly lost my sense of taste completely. The only thing I have encountered differently in my life & for the first time was I received botox for clenching of teeth by my dermatologist. Now approx. 5-7 days post administration, I cannot taste at all. I have completely lost the ability to taste anything & have never experienced such, ever. I am y[Show More]I came to this site looking for clues to why I have suddenly lost my sense of taste completely. The only thing I have encountered differently in my life & for the first time was I received botox for clenching of teeth by my dermatologist. Now approx. 5-7 days post administration, I cannot taste at all. I have completely lost the ability to taste anything & have never experienced such, ever. I am young, mid thirties, no active sinus infection or nasal polyps ever or history of sense of taste loss. I have received botox in the past seemingly successfully for wrinkles only, on my forehead & around eyes by the same dermatologist, but never for clenching of teeth. I have bruxism or clenching which is cracking my teeth & ruining them. I asked the dermatologist if she knew if botox would help for clenching b/c I had read of this treatment for such; but did not know a lot about it or its' success rate & asked her is she knew of a qualified Dr whom could administer botox to help my clenching & prevent further tooth damage, & she gleefully said she does it. I asked the nurse if this was something, the dermatologist did often & regularly & if she had special training in administration for this medical condition & the nurse said, yes & even acted a bit shocked at my assertion to ask such questions. I then proceeded with questions about side affects & further information about this treatment directly with the doctor herself. The Dr. nor the nurse said one thing about any side affects on own or when asked point blank. All radiantly positive & wonderful, like no big deal whatsoever. They even showed me pictures of another patient & their diminished chewing muscle with ongoing treatment. I purposefully asked about an uneven smile side affect & any other side affects & the nurse said that's only with fillers, even though I had heard accounts otherwise. When the dermatologist came back in, she said the uneven smile was possible but usually only with the higher or standard dose of 20 units & said we could start with 15 to even greater lessen that possibility of that very minut side affect; never mentioning any other negative side affects. Because there were no side affects mentioned or even remotely touched on, I agreed; esp. knowing she had administered my other botox in other areas seemingly successfully previously. I trusted her & her medical opinion. Now 7 days post administration, starting at around 5 days after, I lost my ability to taste. Initially, I did not correlate the two, as one wouldn't; but as I realized I am not enjoying or even recognizing what I am eating & it being ever more evident, I am now quite fearful & researching. I had never heard of loss of taste as a side affect & was never told of such. I am very fearful now this is permanent. Who could ever imagine such?! Why would any Dr. purposefully NOT disclose such a horrifying side affect; especially to an existing patient??! I know to anyone reading this who still has there taste, you cannot imagine the affects being so dramatic; but I assure you, such is. I am not even eating, subconsciously b/c there is no enjoyment via the brain signals stimulated by the salivatory glands which affect the enjoyment center in the brain that eating food creates & triggers. It's crazy how much you can miss such. I am devastated & confused that something could not be disclosed & kept hidden. I asked all the right questions, went to a trusted physician, one whom knew me, my past medical history, and one whom I personally & professionally trusted and they knew that. I understand that drugs have side affects but I am not accountable for having the medical degree, knowledge, experience or even access to such information or on a level of understanding that a physician would ultimately have, be required to have, obtain, utilize, disclose & practice wisely. When asked, it should be disclosed openly & honestly, so the patient can make an informed decision based on all the facts. I was not given or afforded that basic right; & assert that right was even blatantly denied & kept hidden from me with intent & malice. That is never ok and worse, negligent. No doctor has the right to keep valuable information from a patient if it will affect their life, quality of life & ability to thrive. My goal would be to make every doctor utilizing & administering botox as an off-label use to disclose such, including all negative side affects along with the positive ones they seem all to more vigor to disclose. Education is key, knowledge is power. The physicians hold the knowledge having the education their patients have not been afforded or provided within the scope of law & ethics. They need to be held ethically & lawfully liable for such negligence & asserted efforts to non-disclose & abate valuable information. I pray no one else has to learn the facts the hard way due to physician negligence & non-disclosure despite being afforded & presented with opportunities to do so openly & honestly upfront & before administration & subsequent harm. Physicians if you are reading this, I pray you re-read your medical oath & decree to do no harm & realize that the love of money is truly the root of all evil and harming patients is not the way to line your pockets, bank accounts & garages & homes. These are patient's real lives & your decisions & disclosures affect them profoundly. Please honor yourselves & your medical degree by doing them right & not perpetrating outright harm by non-disclosure.

  • KatyApril 30, 2016 at 8:09 am

    Feb 2016 I received around 800 units of Botox. Immediately when I had to pay and I realized how much I was injected with, I was nervous. At first all I was dealing with was a totally frozen face, very bad lid ptosis in both eyes, and difficulty eating because my face my so paralyzed. It was embarrassing, but I thought this stuff would wear off and no big deal. It won't get any worse. It will slowl[Show More]Feb 2016 I received around 800 units of Botox. Immediately when I had to pay and I realized how much I was injected with, I was nervous. At first all I was dealing with was a totally frozen face, very bad lid ptosis in both eyes, and difficulty eating because my face my so paralyzed. It was embarrassing, but I thought this stuff would wear off and no big deal. It won't get any worse. It will slowly just get better and better until it's totally worn off. Well, it hasn't gotten better and better, it's been only getting worse and worse until In April I had to see two eye dr's because my vision became doubled and very blurry. My right eyelid is totally shut unless I use Lipodine eye drops several times through the day to slightly raise my lid. It has become difficult to talk where I have to strain to speak. Mid April I noticed my arms and hands becoming very weak. To lift my head up I have to use my hands because my neck is so weak. It has become very difficult to swallow. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to choke. It's very difficult to eat and I am now down to only 94lb's because it's causing me to loose weight. Now almost May, I'm noticing my speaking getting even worse and I feel very out of breath. I feel like I'm dying. I am now to the point of seeing how I do tonight and then I'm pretty positive I'm taking self to the hospital tomorrow. These side effects are only getting worse and Im afraid I won't be able to breath soon. Botox is derived from a poison and that is exactly what it has done to me. I've been poisoned. Hopefully not poisoned to death. I can't imagine choking or not being able to breath being a pleasant way to go.

  • KimMarch 13, 2016 at 3:55 am

    I was in my forties when I started botox in my forehead to get rid of wrinkles. March of 2014, I had injections in forehead and side of eyes as well as between eyebrows. Within an hour, I got terribly dizzy and flu like symptoms. I had to lay on my bed as the dizziness was intense. It really concerned me so I called the practicioner who gave the injections. She denied ever hearing of what I was ex[Show More]I was in my forties when I started botox in my forehead to get rid of wrinkles. March of 2014, I had injections in forehead and side of eyes as well as between eyebrows. Within an hour, I got terribly dizzy and flu like symptoms. I had to lay on my bed as the dizziness was intense. It really concerned me so I called the practicioner who gave the injections. She denied ever hearing of what I was experiencing after the injection. A day later, most of dizziness was gone and within the week, I had new symptoms with my heart. I have always been very healthy and no risks for cardiac issues. I went to the ER for rapid uncomfortable heart rate and PVCs. The tests all came back normal and I was referred to a cardiologist. After wearing a holter monitor for a few days, I was diagnosed with atrial fib. My life has been miserable since then, exhausted all the time, winded going up stairs and constant boughts of irregular heart rhythm that cause me to sit down. I can hardly function some days and the doctor trying to regulate medications for the heart issue which I am completely CONVINCED was caused by Botox. I am a nurse and should have known better to have ever done this to begin with. Botox affects your heart and it cannot be fixed I am sure. Don't do it! You are beautiful the way you are and wrecking your health isn't worth it.

  • GERRYSeptember 24, 2015 at 4:07 am

    I have been getting botox for pain for around 5 years now never had a problem but 2 years ago I had to go to the er because of the way my heart was feeling they don't find anything then 6 months later I was back then I was told I was having high pvc so my heart doctor has been treating me with all kinds of drugs but this Monday I got my botox aND I 3 hrs I felt like I had the worst flu ever and I [Show More]I have been getting botox for pain for around 5 years now never had a problem but 2 years ago I had to go to the er because of the way my heart was feeling they don't find anything then 6 months later I was back then I was told I was having high pvc so my heart doctor has been treating me with all kinds of drugs but this Monday I got my botox aND I 3 hrs I felt like I had the worst flu ever and I had to call my heart dr because the pvc and my pulse was so bad so I think my heart problems came from the botox nown that I look back this stuff should be taking off the market asap

  • CswAugust 3, 2015 at 6:36 pm

    I was given 130 units starting on both sides of my lower neck on up to the temples. I wasn't told that it was off label for the treatment of TMJ. It is not FDA approved for the sides of the neck. Probably because that is where one of the most important nerves run..the Vagus nerve. I was told by the dentist that there are no known side effects. The next morning I had blurry vision and forgot m[Show More]I was given 130 units starting on both sides of my lower neck on up to the temples. I wasn't told that it was off label for the treatment of TMJ. It is not FDA approved for the sides of the neck. Probably because that is where one of the most important nerves run..the Vagus nerve. I was told by the dentist that there are no known side effects. The next morning I had blurry vision and forgot my dogs name. I felt palpitations. .skipped beats. I just figured I had too much coffee. It kept up..along with dry mouth..dry eyes..constipation. I notified the dentist I was having trouble sleeping and palpitations. She told me to relax. I went to use the treadmill..and put my hands on the bars and it read my heart rate of 122. To make a long story short..I ended up in the ER and have been on metrology for 2 years. I went from running 2 miles a day to not being able to even walk up a slight incline without stopping. I gained 30 lbs and am on insulin. I continue to have all the symptoms 2 years later. If I was told it was not FDA approved for TMJ I would have never done it. The metopolol causes fatigue..depression and weight gain. I have a very poor quality of life now.

  • MichelleJune 5, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    I had botox injections and every time i ended up at the er.. no one could touch me i was in so much pain my mom had to cut my clothes off i had to get ivs and tons of blood work done and this was on christmas day when i should of been home with my kids but i was in the er

  • PamMay 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    I have been receiving Botox injections for the past 3 1/2 yrs do to cervical dystonia of the jaw. I could not open my mouth, talk correctly, eat properly or wear my dentures. Since the injections, I can now wear a device that looks like a denture, only I have no back teeth. I have 6 teeth up and 6 teeth on the lower . I have also had side effects, such as some loss of taste and smell. I can only [Show More]I have been receiving Botox injections for the past 3 1/2 yrs do to cervical dystonia of the jaw. I could not open my mouth, talk correctly, eat properly or wear my dentures. Since the injections, I can now wear a device that looks like a denture, only I have no back teeth. I have 6 teeth up and 6 teeth on the lower . I have also had side effects, such as some loss of taste and smell. I can only taste things some of the time and smell some things some of the time. But I don't want to stop the injections, because, if I do, I will go back to the way I was. I do not want to go back to the way I was, because I was miserable and embarrassed to go out in public. So I guess I am stuck between a rock and a hard place with this.

  • LisaMay 11, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    I had several rounds of botox injections for migraines. I recall the first round working. What I remember more clearly was the droopy eyelids, having to hold my eyelids open, having an eye exam where my eyelids had to be held open to complete the exam, the opthamolagist recommending surgery to surgery to correct the damage, and my eyebrows traveling up my forehead. When I finished the shots, I bec[Show More]I had several rounds of botox injections for migraines. I recall the first round working. What I remember more clearly was the droopy eyelids, having to hold my eyelids open, having an eye exam where my eyelids had to be held open to complete the exam, the opthamolagist recommending surgery to surgery to correct the damage, and my eyebrows traveling up my forehead. When I finished the shots, I became ill. I began losing weight. I was and have been ill since. I've lost 70 pounds. I asked my doctor if the botox could make me sick. I was told it was safe and everything would reverse. I have had muscle wasting and so many weird symptoms I can't list them all. I had arrythmia diagnosed 5 years ago. It was never really an issue. Now, since the botox, my left ventricle has gotten so much weaker. I have more frequent PVC'S. I have a feeling of impending doom every time it happens. I reallythink the botox set off my stomach problems and everything else all the way to and iincluding my heart issue. I have shortness of breath, lightheadedness. It's like my entire body is at war.

  • WinnieJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    I received botox injections in June for migraines, within just a few weeks I had a frozen left shoulder, I have neck problems, vision problems, and serious muscle weaknesses all over my body. It has been almost six months, does it ever get any better. I want to get back to a regular life.

  • LaurieNovember 6, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    I got two hundred units of Botox injected into my neck for migraines caused by disc problems in my neck on September 17th of 2014. Three days later I was admitted into the hospital with muscle weakness, " bobble head" ( couldn't hold my head up from neck weakness), extreme fatigue, difficulty talking, palpitations, nausea, inability to chew, sweating, headache and bronchitis. It has been almost tw[Show More]I got two hundred units of Botox injected into my neck for migraines caused by disc problems in my neck on September 17th of 2014. Three days later I was admitted into the hospital with muscle weakness, " bobble head" ( couldn't hold my head up from neck weakness), extreme fatigue, difficulty talking, palpitations, nausea, inability to chew, sweating, headache and bronchitis. It has been almost two months and have been on antibiotics continually for sinus infections. Does anyone have any ideas about how much longer I am going to be feeling just generally crummy? After having 25 to 50 units of Botox in my forehead for 10 years with no reaction, this came as a huge shock and am getting slowly better except for the recurring sinus infections. Thanks for any ideas you all might have!

  • georgeJune 12, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I had botox 6/202/2013 i had it for facial movemnts.I STILL can barley w3al have lost my coordintion and mucsle strenh in my legs.I told the doctor about 4 weeks later I could barley move he claim it would be out of my system. I still can barley move.

  • Deb LJune 6, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    I have been mostly bed ridden since the end of May following 200units of Botox administered on May 21. I have been getting the treatments every 10 weeks on and off for several years for migraines. At first I had good results, but the last dose has left me so I'lIdon't get out of bed most days. I cried reading these other accounts, because the Dr. Have made me feel crazy. The head, neck, shoulder[Show More]I have been mostly bed ridden since the end of May following 200units of Botox administered on May 21. I have been getting the treatments every 10 weeks on and off for several years for migraines. At first I had good results, but the last dose has left me so I'lIdon't get out of bed most days. I cried reading these other accounts, because the Dr. Have made me feel crazy. The head, neck, shoulder,and back pain, nausea,vomiting, weight loss , sweats, palpitations,etc,etc,etc. I also was told it was a virus.After emergency visit all I get is meds thrown at the various symptoms...at great expense. When will I feel better? I can't just stay like this. This is no way to live.

  • jeannieSeptember 1, 2013 at 1:18 am

    I was diagnosed with torticollis in my neck in 2000. Was sent to a neurologist who began giving me Botox, 12 shots in all in both front and back of my neck, for 13 years. Before the Botox I had to drive with one hand to keep my head straight with the other so I could see the road. I had mild symptoms from the Botox, head aches, trouble swallowing and raspy voice. I went to a new dentist who as[Show More]I was diagnosed with torticollis in my neck in 2000. Was sent to a neurologist who began giving me Botox, 12 shots in all in both front and back of my neck, for 13 years. Before the Botox I had to drive with one hand to keep my head straight with the other so I could see the road. I had mild symptoms from the Botox, head aches, trouble swallowing and raspy voice. I went to a new dentist who asked me if I had neck problems and I told him about my diagnosis. He sent me to a neurological dentist who put me in Invisaline and a night guard and while I still have tremors while driving, but no longer hold my head in place, I have seen a dramatic difference. It turns out that my jaw was out of wack because my bite was off, so I would clench my teeth. That makes the neck muscles contract and can cause scar tissue on the muscles if not diagnosed which causes the torticollis. The neurological dentist told me to continue my Botox shots until I was out of the Invisaline. The last time I received my shots I had sharp pains run down my right arm to the point that I was in tears. The neurologist said he had never seen that before and called in a colleague. They made notes on the computer and said if I had any other symptoms to call them immediately. The pain subsided while I was still in his office in about 10 minutes. My right hand was totally numb, it was frightening, but I did not have any recurring problems. The next visit I had with my neurological dentist I told him what happened and he said he wanted me to quit the Botox now anyway. With the Botox, I was not able to garden, golf or do some exercises because I couldn't hold my head up. I bought a neck brace on one of those medical websites, but it didn't help. The neurological dentist wants me to begin physical therapy. I will not go back to Botox. I can now garden and golf and do all of the exercises I want. If it weren't for my dentist, I would probably still be getting the Botox. I am eternally grateful. The Botox was a saving grace for me for 13 years, however the side effects were not fun.

  • MaxAugust 15, 2013 at 1:14 am

    Look at most any drug and you will find side effects...many life threatening. When searching for a Dr. to administer something as serious as botox, one must do their homework and ask questions. I bet injections in my neck to treat cervical dystonia. My Dr. Is highly regarded in the are of movement disorders and injects many dystonia patients. Even though he knew I was already aware of the poss[Show More]Look at most any drug and you will find side effects...many life threatening. When searching for a Dr. to administer something as serious as botox, one must do their homework and ask questions. I bet injections in my neck to treat cervical dystonia. My Dr. Is highly regarded in the are of movement disorders and injects many dystonia patients. Even though he knew I was already aware of the possible risks, he went over them before proceeding with the injections. Additionally,I had to read and sign a form which stated the risks and was my acknowledgment of the fact that I understood. Many of these posts baffle me, especially the person who claims to have gotten botox for cervical dystonia while under anesthesia. That person is either lying or is getting shots from a quack. I sit in a chair and the entire process is over in 15 to 20 minutes. It doesn't hurt that badly as they use small diameter needles. Find a reputable Dr and ask questions. We have to be our own advocates these days otherwise, we're subject to "quackery".

  • PammMarch 15, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    I received botox injections.in my neck and bank I was never told of negative side effects.only positive. Dr knew I had.Addisons disease, I made sure to ask him will botox effect my Addisons he.addured me it wouldn't. Today.has.been day.13 its been a living nightmare, I can't raise my arms, I can't turn my neck I can't look down, the facial muscles in my face have been effected, I'm in so much pain[Show More]I received botox injections.in my neck and bank I was never told of negative side effects.only positive. Dr knew I had.Addisons disease, I made sure to ask him will botox effect my Addisons he.addured me it wouldn't. Today.has.been day.13 its been a living nightmare, I can't raise my arms, I can't turn my neck I can't look down, the facial muscles in my face have been effected, I'm in so much pain I have cried so much. I have never experienced this type of pain before. The muscles where injections were done are.hard as bricks so rigid. I've called.his office several times nurse said.Dr. Isn't surprised I'm having a flare up with as many injections he had to do. He did 19 botox injections. Which to me is excessive. He did them so fast without taking His time. He hurt me. The worst of it all it has effected my adrenals in a big way, I'm so stressed from the pain I've stayed nauseated And have had migraines and the worst muscle pain ever. I was told the botox would be in full effect within 14 days. I'm one day away and unless a miracle happens there's no chance. I've had to stress dose my steroids to keep me from going into a crisis. This should be illegal. I will due first chance I get

  • SharmanFebruary 24, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    After botox for cervical dystonia: flu like, difficulty swallowing, could not keep neck up, dry mouth, thrush , enlarged lymph node in parotid gland, salivary gland infection all on left side, shingles.

  • KerryOctober 19, 2012 at 12:15 am

    I recieved Botox cosmetics on three seperate occasions. The first injection I had no side effects. I didn't get another injection (across forehead) until 2 years later . This time I got injections in my forehead and around eyes a total of 40 units. Just 5 minutes after the injections I started feeling faint. The rn said it was probably just my nerves and had me sit for a while. I felt fine [Show More]I recieved Botox cosmetics on three seperate occasions. The first injection I had no side effects. I didn't get another injection (across forehead) until 2 years later . This time I got injections in my forehead and around eyes a total of 40 units. Just 5 minutes after the injections I started feeling faint. The rn said it was probably just my nerves and had me sit for a while. I felt fine until 5 weeks later when I suddenly got the most painful ice pick like stabbing feel over my eye brows. This went on for weeks before I went to the dr. After an MRI it turned out I had a severe sinus infection. I was put on 3 rounds of antibiotics before the pain started to subside. By this time I was due for more Botox but decided to just get it across my forehead 20 units). One week later the sharp ice pick headaches started again and that's when it hit me.. It was the Botox. Unfortunely 6 weeks after the injection I then came down with facial shingles (ramsey hunt) effecting my ear and the nerve across my cheek into my eye.I'm only 38 years old. I went to an ophthalmologist who said I had floaters in my eyes, severe dry eyes, allergens and a twitch in My eyelid. He wanted to give me Botox to make the twitch stop. I refused. After doing much research, I am sure that all of my symptoms came from the Botox even though my primary dr, the ent and the opthomologist all said it wasn't. I actually considered going to get it again before finding this thread.

  • PattySeptember 22, 2012 at 11:40 am

    I had been getting Botox injections for years for cosmetic reasons. My friend told me about it and I trusted the research she had done on Botox and the Doctor she recommended. I was in my mid forties and was impressed with the results many women were getting in eliminating that anger line between the eyes. The last time I went to this doctor who by the way was a hand specialist doing Botox jus[Show More]I had been getting Botox injections for years for cosmetic reasons. My friend told me about it and I trusted the research she had done on Botox and the Doctor she recommended. I was in my mid forties and was impressed with the results many women were getting in eliminating that anger line between the eyes. The last time I went to this doctor who by the way was a hand specialist doing Botox just on Fridays I guess to supplement his meager income as a surgeon was in April of 2009. A few days after my last injection I became sick with what I thought was a sinus infection. I had been prone to sinus infections several times a year for the last twenty years. I knew that Botox could cause cold like symtoms and since I was used to chronic sinusistus, I didn't think anything of it. I was sicker than normal and was down for three days and off work. When I recovered, I realized I couldn't smell. I thought maybe it would come back gradually but it didn't. I went to an ENT and he told me if I didn't get it back within 3 months, I probably would't. Well, I didn't and I was devestated. I went on a quest to find out why this happened. I suspected it was the Botox but I researched and researched online and counldn't find anything related to losting your smell from Botox. I went 5 different doctors to get their oppinion on if they thought the Botox caused my loss of smell. All five doctors including some who never gave Botox injections, said it couldn't have been the Botox. I just know that it is and as I am reading other people's stories, I am even more sure. There is so much more information relating to this now than there was even three years ago when this happened. I was devestated to lose my sense of smell. No one understands how much you actually lose due to smell loss. It's awful. I loved to cook and now it's just not the same since I can't smell what I'm cooking or even taste it very well. I love scented candles, the smell of flowers the scent of perfume, the scent of a man but all I have are the memories of those things. Smell is very emotional and it is the primal sense. It's more important than people realize. Over the last three years, I have adjusted to life without smell but it has been very difficult and I went through a really hard time. I found comfort in a book about smell loss that I found. Never once did I ead anything or sign anything that said the Botox could take your sense of smell but I truly feel it did and after reading these posts I am convinced even more. I don't think half the doctors out there really know anything about the stuff.

  • Kyle GJanuary 17, 2012 at 2:07 am

    My 14 yr. daughter recieved 100u of Botox in her duodenum for gastroparesis. 10 days later she had sudden and progressive weakness of extremities (left more than right) until she could not walk or feed herself and had difficulty breathing. She was admitted for 3 days and they could not find any cause for her symptoms. I have asked many dr's and they have said it is not related to the injection.[Show More]My 14 yr. daughter recieved 100u of Botox in her duodenum for gastroparesis. 10 days later she had sudden and progressive weakness of extremities (left more than right) until she could not walk or feed herself and had difficulty breathing. She was admitted for 3 days and they could not find any cause for her symptoms. I have asked many dr's and they have said it is not related to the injection. It is very difficult to see my daughter struggle to recover while we are searching for why this happened.

  • BunnyMay 14, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    I had botox injected into my neck. When coming round from General Anaesthetic I had a terrible cough and difficulty breathing - they gave me oxygen. An hour later my head was numb down one side. 24 hours later I could hardly open my mouth and had difficulty swallowing. My vision was blurred. I could only eat liquidised food for 3 months and lost 8lbs in weight. During this time I had very bad p[Show More]I had botox injected into my neck. When coming round from General Anaesthetic I had a terrible cough and difficulty breathing - they gave me oxygen. An hour later my head was numb down one side. 24 hours later I could hardly open my mouth and had difficulty swallowing. My vision was blurred. I could only eat liquidised food for 3 months and lost 8lbs in weight. During this time I had very bad palpitations which has now been diagnosed as Atrial Fibrillation. Apparently the Botox leaked and this is what has caused my problems. I am now under a Heart Specialist. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOTOX INJECTIONS AGAIN.

  • BobbiFebruary 21, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I needed to hop in this conversation. I had Botox done but for headache and neck tension. They put in 300 units. Shortly after the procedure I got violently ill for well over a month (maybe 2-3). Very fast pounding heart (still have it), Sore throat, labored breathing, crippling back pain, lung weakness (still have it). It felt like the muscles in my lungs did not want to work. I did not sleep ri[Show More]I needed to hop in this conversation. I had Botox done but for headache and neck tension. They put in 300 units. Shortly after the procedure I got violently ill for well over a month (maybe 2-3). Very fast pounding heart (still have it), Sore throat, labored breathing, crippling back pain, lung weakness (still have it). It felt like the muscles in my lungs did not want to work. I did not sleep right for months because I was afraid I would stop breathing in my sleep. I went to the ER because I heard of an anti-toxin to Botox and I wanted them to give it to me to prevent further damage. They refused, told me to wait it out. I just got sicker and sicker. 10 mg of Percocet was not easing the horible back pain I had. I know the Botox spread throughout my body and caused this. To this day (1.5 years later) I still have the racing heart. The racing heart has disabled me. I now always have a resting heart rate of 100-105... always. It use to be around 65. I know it is because of the Botox because I have never had this problem before. The doctor I have been seing is convinced it is all in my head and I should be able to control the heart rate if I concentrate...WTF? Also to this day I will have flare ups off and on, at least one to two times a month, of the symptoms of the side effects of the Botox (severe flu-like symptoms) these are disabling as well. I cannot work, run, do semi-strenuous activities. I feel I should be able to sue somebody because my life is changed forever because of these disabling symptoms that did not arise until after the 300 units. The Botox company should pay for the quality of life I lost. I was successful, now I cannot do virtually anything. The racing heart and feeling of my lungs being VERY weak keeps me from doing so much. I had 100 units in the past that seemed to work out okay, but that 300 was waaay too much. Is anyone who had a bad experience willing to consider going after a class action lawsuit against Botox? They need to be held accountable. I am so angry because of this. My kids cannot stand me anymore because our life now revolves around my heart. If I have a crisis where my pulse goes to 150+ then the day is shot because we are going no where. I cannot finish school, get a job etc....I am so depressed now.

  • CyndieOctober 16, 2010 at 3:04 am

    It is my belief that excessive amounts of Botox given to me for headaches have cause me to lose my sense of taste, most of my sense of smell and to have numb areas in my scalp, mouth and throat. Although the Botox was given years ago, I am steadily observing progressive loss. Although I won't die from a loss of taste and smell, it is a terrible way to live. I did not do it for cosmetic reasons and[Show More]It is my belief that excessive amounts of Botox given to me for headaches have cause me to lose my sense of taste, most of my sense of smell and to have numb areas in my scalp, mouth and throat. Although the Botox was given years ago, I am steadily observing progressive loss. Although I won't die from a loss of taste and smell, it is a terrible way to live. I did not do it for cosmetic reasons and it was administered by a pain management physician. Think twice before getting a poison injected into your body.

  • GeraldineSeptember 28, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    In December 2008, I had a very scary incident to happen to me while driving in which I almost got killed. I did not see a car in front of me until probably within less than an inch I had to slam on brakes to miss hitting it. This happened twice on the way home that night. I noticed I had to kforce my eyes to bling to keep them open so I could get home. It was dark. I cried cause I was scared. This[Show More]In December 2008, I had a very scary incident to happen to me while driving in which I almost got killed. I did not see a car in front of me until probably within less than an inch I had to slam on brakes to miss hitting it. This happened twice on the way home that night. I noticed I had to kforce my eyes to bling to keep them open so I could get home. It was dark. I cried cause I was scared. This kept going on so I went to see family Dr. She had an MRI ran of my brain, nothing showed up except severe allergy infection. She sent me to an opthamaligist and a neurologist. This was about 3 months after symptoms. He diagnosed it as blepharospasm, gave me shots in my eyelids twice within six months. Did not help. My right eye completely closed and he saw it when I went back the second time for shots. He never told me this was Botox, just said it was a toxin. I did ask if there were any side affects and all he told me was drooping eye lids. I had a friend in Alabama who told me their hospital was a research center also. Found out about a neurologist that might be able to help so my family Dr. referred me there. This was a female Dr. She told me that I had cervical dystonia, and the Dr. in Duke gaveme the shots in the wrong place so I trusted her and took two more sessions of this Botox in my eyelids and shots in the front of my neck and back for the cervical dystonia. Still did not help. I tried to do research on computer to find a Dr. somewhere else because I had heard of the deep brain stimulus that help a young girl of a friend of mind, and did open her eyes, which she had gone to California. I found a Dr. in Charleston, SC, got referred, went and was told the same thing I had been told before that Deep Brain Stimulus was not done for Blepharospasm. She also said she didn't believe by my records it was that and she wanted to rule out Myasthenia Gravis. After blood tests, EMG, myasthenia gravis was ruled out. I told her about the severe itching since Botox treatments, spasms, loosing hair, fainting, etc. and she wanted me to see another neurologist in Atlanta, Ga.She made the referal, I made arrangements to go and all he wanted to know was shy my eyes closed in December of 2008. He would interrupt me when I would try to tell him about things that were happening to me since the Botox and finally said I needed to see a psychologist. This was September 23rd, 2010. I know my body, know what's happening to me, know this is not in my mind, this is real. I can't see, except for an occasional small peep hole inmy left eye. I have to be lead around whenever I go anywhere. Sure I am being treated for depression, for several years, and now it's gonna be worse. I have to use my fingers to open an eye to see. I will also fess up that I am typing this statement in the blind. All I want is some help so I can see and be normal again. Surely there's someone out there that has had this same problem. I will soon have a birthday the 28th of October and will be only 56 years old. Also, I know I did not have some of the things that's happening to me now before I had the Botox and was never told of any side affects other than could cause my eye lids to droop, and was never told that it was a poison and destroyes muscles. One Dr. slipped up and made a statement that the Botox could stay in your system up to 5 years and another Dr. said he'd never heard of that. All I know is I was told that after the shots, I should see an affect possibly within 2 weeks. Not true. I can't open my eye lids. I have already stated some side affects I think I am havingnow my neck is beginning to get weak, and honestly I don't have the energy I use to have. What's a person to do when they go to these expensive Dr's for help and get let down.

  • SherylSeptember 3, 2010 at 2:44 am

    I too had Botox shots in my neck for tremors, with no complications, until June 2, 2010. Within 3 hours I could not swallow. I would try to drink a glass of water and it would make this girggleing sound. The next day I was chocking on everthing I ate. I ended up in the emergency room twice. This went on for a month. It was a very frightening time. I will just let my head shake before doing [Show More]I too had Botox shots in my neck for tremors, with no complications, until June 2, 2010. Within 3 hours I could not swallow. I would try to drink a glass of water and it would make this girggleing sound. The next day I was chocking on everthing I ate. I ended up in the emergency room twice. This went on for a month. It was a very frightening time. I will just let my head shake before doing Botox ever again

  • StormiAugust 20, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    My best friend was diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia around 7 yrs ago. At that time, IU Medical Center in Indianapolis was running a 'study' and told her all the 'wonderful things' Botox could do for her condition. After signing her life away on all the forms they pushed at her, they began their study on her. I've went with her a few times, and personally seen the amount of each injection (12-13[Show More]My best friend was diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia around 7 yrs ago. At that time, IU Medical Center in Indianapolis was running a 'study' and told her all the 'wonderful things' Botox could do for her condition. After signing her life away on all the forms they pushed at her, they began their study on her. I've went with her a few times, and personally seen the amount of each injection (12-13 syringes), and the pain they caused. But during this time, noone told her all of the negative side effects, or the possibility of the unknown, since @ this time it was still part of a 'study'. She has told her Dr. for the past 2 or 3 yrs all of the new symptoms she's having, (difficulty swallowing, excessive phlegm, chest congestion, etc) and he has reassured her over and over that it has nothing to do with the Botox, & pretty much that she's imagining it, I guess. After reading your article & the fact that they now put a "Black Box" warning label, what happens to the people who are not receiving this warning because they're receiving the injections from their 'trusted' dr's, and not the medication with information itself? Shouldn't Dr's be REQUIRED to inform their patients of ALL possible side effects to give their patient the ability to choose if the positives outweigh the negatives? I see her struggling EVERYDAY, now not only with everything that comes with having cervical dystonia, but also with these new symptoms, that could possibly be caused by the medication the good Dr is giving her, without the cautions that he should be giving with it too. Do these Dr's work for the people they take an oath to help, or for the pharmaceutical reps who we watch go in and out of every dr appt we go to? Frustration doesn't even begin to describe....

  • dhaliaMay 23, 2010 at 7:19 pm

    A very satisfying part of these procedures is the confidence and glow people get after they start feeling better about themselves.

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