With the alarming reports of counterfeit BOTOX® in the news, Medical Spa Rx, proudly distributing since 2009, wants to emphasize our ongoing commitment to selling only safe, authentic products and provide you with guidance for recognizing fakes. Keep reading to learn all the telltale signs of counterfeit BOTOX®.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA and CDC observed increased circulation of fake BOTOX® products in the US market.
- Fake product providers often advertise on platforms like Alibaba and ask for payments in cryptocurrency.
- Knowing how to recognize counterfeit products can be crucial for maintaining patient safety.
- You can rely on the Medical Spa Rx team to help you source authentic products.
Medical Spa Rx’s Safety and Integrity Protocols
As a trusted name in the industry, we only source products from manufacturers with full approval from respected regulatory bodies such as the FDA, MHRA, and Health Canada, ensuring only the highest standards for you.
Our supply chain is tightly controlled to ensure that all products are procured directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributors. This careful sourcing strategy effectively blocks counterfeit products from entering our system. We also strictly adhere to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards, ensuring the authenticity and traceability of every product we distribute.
Count on Medical Spa Rx for authentic products bearing original LOT numbers. If you need confirmation of the LOT number, please contact us.
Reliable Products, Diverse Packaging Options
Our commitment to providing high-quality products at competitive prices involves sourcing globally, which means the packaging might feature different languages. Be assured the products inside are the same ones you trust.
Dangers of Fake BOTOX®
In mid-April 2024, regulatory bodies like CDC and FDA alerted medical professionals across the US to be aware of the alarming amount of counterfeit BOTOX® circulating on the market.
Sources like drugs.com are informing that “FDA is aware of adverse events, including hospitalizations, linked to the counterfeit BOTOX®. Symptoms included blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, constipation, incontinence, shortness of breath, weakness, and difficulty lifting one’s head following injection of these products. These symptoms are similar to those seen when botulinum toxin spreads to other parts of the body.”
You can find the full statement from the FDA here.
Identifying Red Flags with Online Sellers
If you observe one of these, it may be time to change your medical supplies provider:
- Lack of History: Be cautious of sellers without a long and verifiable track record.
- Questionable Advertising Platforms: Avoid sellers who advertise on known counterfeit platforms like Alibaba.
- Limited Payment Options: Be wary of sellers who only accept cryptocurrency, Western Union, or wire transfers and do not provide traceable payment methods such as credit cards.
- Missing Client Reviews: Steer clear of sellers who do not have authentic client feedback. Instead, look for ones with a proven track record on review platforms like Trustpilot.
Recognizing Counterfeit BOTOX®: Essential Tips
Although counterfeiters are continually evolving their tactics, there are clear indicators to help you spot fake BOTOX®:
- Unusual Unit Sizes
Authentic BOTOX® comes only in 50U, 100U, and 200U. In addition, fake products do not weigh the same as original products.
- Incorrect labeling
Fake products will frequently not use the same lot number and expiration formatting. Original may follow one format, such as x12345, while fake may be y12343yy.
- Mismatched Packaging
Sometimes, the LOT numbers, expiry dates, and language on the inner and outer packaging do not match. The inner vial may be fake, while the outer box may be legitimate. Some scammers collect and reuse boxes. Check if the vial LOT, expiry date, and language match the outer box.
- Product quantity
Normally the BOTOX® vial will seem empty to the untrained practitioner because the active substance is a very thin film on the bottom. If a large amount of supposedly active substance is at the bottom of the vial, it should be an immediate reason for additional checks.
- Holograms
If the packaging does not have a hologram or multiple holograms are added as stickers, it is a sign of a potential fake BOTOX®.
- Incomplete packaging
In some cases of fake BOTOX®, the top of the vial may be missing.
Conclusion
As counterfeiters refine their methods, tracking and countering their strategies becomes increasingly difficult without disrupting your normal business activities. To avoid the hassles of counterfeit products, it’s best to partner with a reliable supplier such as Medical Spa Rx.
If you need further information or support, please feel free to contact us or book a meeting with our sales team.
References
- FDA Alert: Counterfeit Versions of Botox Found in Multiple States. Drugs.com. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/fda/counterfeit-versions-botox-found-multiple-states-14672.html
- CDC. CDC: Harmful reactions linked to botulinum toxin injections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published April 15, 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks/harmful-reactions-botox-injections.html
- Research C for DE and. Counterfeit Version of Botox Found in Multiple States. FDA. Published online 2024. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/counterfeit-version-botox-found-multiple-states
