CDC warns of severe illness after DIY Botox injections

Between May and June 2025, three women in New York, Texas, and Wisconsin were hospitalized after self-injecting botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) purchased online. All experienced systemic symptoms consistent with botulism and required botulinum antitoxin treatment. Investigators found the products were likely counterfeit and obtained from unauthorized sources.

Clinical takeaway: BoNT should only be administered by licensed and trained medical professionals. Self-injection of BoNT purchased online from unauthorized sources can result in serious adverse health effects.

Source:

Lamere L, et al. (2025, November 27). CDC. Notes From the Field: Severe Illnesses After Self-Injection of Botulinum Toxin Purchased Online — New York, Texas, and Wisconsin, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7438a1.htm