Had botox and I'm scared- please help
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free skin care · Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:02 pm

Skincare wrote:

I thought botox was already put in perspective, or at least I did. Those list of side affects are so out of this world, but I guess it could happen to a few number of people.

Take out the information leaflet of ANY medication that you might be on - there will be a list of possible side effects as long as your arm. Pharmaceutical companies are required by law to list any reaction that any person may have.

free skin care · Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:28 pm

Just for fun I Googled the side effect of my migraine medication Imigran:

http://www.patientsville.com/medication/imigran_side_effects.htm

There have been 8 deaths, 57 cases of hospitalisation and 186 other dastardly reports!!

Am I going to stopping taking Imigran - absolutely not. It has been a complete life saviour for me. This is what I mean by putting things into perspective.

Look up any other medication and you will find the same sort of results.

free skin care · Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:29 am

Oh that's truly awful that Botox caused you to have those side effects! I read online too and see it can happen in 10% of people. I'm so sorry for you that's pretty terrible.

I saw a TV show on PS once and there was a lady who developed chronic facial pain after a FL. Then read Time's recent piece on pain, and learned that anytime you have surgery you risk developing pain that never goes away! It's called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, how scary is that!

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:01 am

Holy smokes! I just had my lips done (juvederm)and I was feeling so thrilled with my results (despite the pain!)that I went ahead and booked an appointment to get botox done around my eyes....My derm said that it was no biggie and mentioned nothing of any frightening side-effects...Needless to say, I'm going to do some more research before taking the plunge...Scary stuff..thank you so much for sharing..
Puds

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:10 am

I've gotten botox three times, every time resulted in a fever blister just above the cupid's bow. The doctor advised me to take Valtrex prior to the third time - it didn't work.

Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:27 am

Lily, thank you for sharing your experience as it is good to hear all sides. Glad you are starting to feel better. Smile

Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:28 am

Starlight wrote:

Botox can give some individuals flu like symptoms and severe headaches. Doctors always tend to say it has nothing to do with botox but the symptoms are very real. There are all kinds of horror stories on the net about people suffering from severe headaches for prolonged periods of time. I have had botox 2 times. The first time everything was fine and I only felt a slight pressure in my head but the second time has been bad. I have suffered from botox head aches for the last 2 months. I wake up in the morning with a head ache and sometimes it just comes on all at once. It has gotten better but 2 months is a long time to suffer from regular head aches. What ever you are experiencing is very real especially if you started suffering from it after botox.

Starlight, two months of headaches sounds like pure misery to me. Sad

Hopefully it won't be long before you are feeling good and back to normal.

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:20 am

Yes, there are risks involved with everything. If you need to take Imigran in order to live your life and can't function without it, you accept the risks involved in taking that medication because, for you, the benefits outweigh the risks.

The whole point of this thread, IMO, is that there are real risks involved with botox that don't seem to be well known and Big Pharma seems to be doing a stellar job in keeping those under wraps.

I think there have been 28 deaths related to botox in recent years (don't quote me on that as I read it and didn't bookmark it) but that is not saying anything about the damage to people's central nervous systems and other effects that people are suffering with.

It is suspected that botox migrates into other areas aside from the injection site (into the nervous system).

http://www.naturalnews.com/025278_brain_botox_the.html

Again, for some people the benefits may outweigh the risks. Keep in mind we're not talking about a medication that helps people live a normal life when they otherwise couldn't (like imigran), we're talking about a substance used to keep wrinkles at bay that has these kind of side effects.

So even though someone suffers from headaches for 2-5 months or whatever, they may still feel that the risk is worth it.

At the very beginning I admitted this was MY fault for believing the clinic that the botox stays where it is injected, yadda yadda, without doing my own research on something I would be injecting into my body but with botox parties, etc. BUT I am certain there are many in my position that think "of course it is safe" being totally unaware that although dying from botox is quite rare, having various side effects that can last months (or even years) is not that uncommon and can happen even if one has had botox previously without any negative side effects.

When you look up more information on what people typically go through if they have had negative side effects, A LOT of the symptoms are nervous system related.

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:52 pm

As for botox migrating, my derm said not to lie down for two hours afterward and to keep smiling to squish up the eye area, I guess to work it into the tissues. I think most doctors of any kind are so used to doing procedures that they forget or their staff forget to tell people about simple aftercare. I am very proactive.

Even if you are having a simple blood draw, be sure to ask if you need to fast, avoid certain medications, vitamins, herbs, etc. because I can't tell you how often I've had to ask and then heard, "Oh, yeah..."

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 2:42 pm

The person who did the botox on me DID tell me not to lie down, exercise, rub my face for FOUR hours after (which I didn't).

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 3:43 pm

When you get botox, do you make sure that you are not getting a copy of the botox brand?

free skin care · Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:22 pm

secretly wrote:

Oh that's truly awful that Botox caused you to have those side effects! I read online too and see it can happen in 10% of people. I'm so sorry for you that's pretty terrible.

I saw a TV show on PS once and there was a lady who developed chronic facial pain after a FL. Then read Time's recent piece on pain, and learned that anytime you have surgery you risk developing pain that never goes away! It's called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, how scary is that!

Yup,
the part about surgery is true.
I've had a couple surgeries- one for an arm muscle problem/injury, and other stuff and now for the past few years I can't exercise without taking any pain medication first.

I happen to somewhat enjoy sports and if I do anything more then a short bike ride I usually take over the counter tylenol first.

I'm not old either...so that really sucks for me.

Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:31 pm

My brother ends up in the emergency room if he accidently eats something containing peanuts or lentils.

Is he imagining it? NO!

Does that mean peanuts are bad for everyone? NO!

Don't let anyone make you feel like you are over reacting. It really isn't surprising that some one might have idiosyncratic reactions to something that is injected into them.

The good news is that it should pass.

free skin care · Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:00 am

Thx, I am getting better but not 100% yet. Yes it was "botox" that was used. Would appreciate any prayers to get me through this asap. Thank you!

free skin care · Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:03 pm

Just wanted to update this thread in case anyone does a search on this who has had a negative reaction to botox.

I'm now at almost 7 weeks post botox injections and I'm 95% better. As I mentioned previously, all the side effects I experienced were confirmed botox side effects from the dr and listed as side effects.

I did a lot of things that I think helped and if anyone finds this, a good place to find that information is onwww.therealself.com forum and look for the thread "Did you have flu like symptoms after botox?" I posted under the name Lily0707 and described things I did that I thought helped.

I consider myself very lucky as many of the women on that forum have been struggling with the side effects for months before they go away.

While I realize I am in the minority in terms of people that react to botox, I think it's important for everyone to be more aware of the potential side effect of injecting the neurotoxin botox, even if it is only at a cosmetic dosage.

free skin care · Wed Apr 27, 2011 5:00 pm

lily wrote:

Jennyjam:

I totally agree with you and this has forced me to do a lot of thinking on what women in our culture will put themselves through to look young- a lot of thinking.

It's also interesting to read the different responses I got on here. People are quick to defend botox b/c Big Pharma does such a good job in covering up cases like mine and promoting how "safe" it is.

Lots of people on here said I must have had a virus or whatever BUT I spoke with the Dr who runs the centre I had the botox done and HE CONFIRMED all of the symptoms that I had were BOTOX RELATED and not a virus.

He said it is not very common and although most people just get a headache, etc., the side effects I had ARE LISTED as botox side effects.

I totally get that there are wacky things on the internet but the stories I read were of real healthy, fit people, many of whom had botox numerous times before without any problem and then one time- wham! I do believe those who say that they still are struggling with side effects even a year later. Botox has the potential, I think, to do damage to one's nervous system.

Thankfully, even though I do not quite feel like myself just yet, I do feel A LOT better. I had a few really rough days though.

I think botox, as a toxin, will have an impact on liver function and I also think botox acts a bit like a stimulant on the adrenals and perhaps thyroid. (Maybe it's just an immune response b/c a toxin is injected, I'm not sure.) I think it does something to the adrenals b/c many of the people (and myself) experienced something that is similar to an adrenal crash/crisis after getting botox.

I also read a study that talked about how botox had an "antidepressant" effect in some women. What I think it does, temporarily, is speed up adrenal and thyroid function which makes some women feel better but in the long run will have a negative impact on the glandular system.

With how unhealthy people are today in general and how many toxins our bodies already have to deal with on a daily basis, I've realized that the last thing I want to do is put more toxins in my body that it has to deal with.

Had I not had this experience I may have been drawn in by botox as I wouldn't have been compelled to read as much as I could about it so I guess I'm grateful for that as my reaction could have been much worse than it was.

Just to follow up for those of you reading this, when I first called the office and talked to the receptionist she is the one who said she "hadn't heard of that type of reaction". Two days ago the doctor of the clinic called back and confirmed all of my symptoms WERE listed as botox side effects and that is what is sounded like I had (not a virus).

Lily! I'm so glad you gave us an update. I don't usually follow Botox threads, having no desire to use this toxin, but I am very interested in knowing how you are doing and am glad you are better! As you may recall I mentioned to you about my friend and her Botox reaction.

I am not surprised your nurse didn't know your symptoms could be related to Botox. My sister was put on a cholesterol lowering medicine and a few days later she was grocery shopping and her legs just gave out like jelly. Her husband had to come get her. She went to her doctor (I told her to ask him if it could be her tri-cor) and said "My health nut sister thinks it could be the tri-cor" and he got very indigent and said that there was no way it could be. He said it was neurological and while she was there, he called a neurologist to set up for tests. While on the phone, my sister (go sis!) interrupted the conversation and said in a loud enough voice that the neurologist knew someone was speaking if he had heard of this being a reaction from tri-cor. He didn't hesitate saying yes and to get her off of it at once! Needless to say she got better. Now does this happen to all tri-cor patients? No, but if you are the one with the reaction (hers scared her to death) then it doesn't matter if you are one in 100 or one in ten million!

You can google flu like reactions to Botox and come up with some sad stories.

For instance this link http://www.realself.com/forum/flu-symptoms-after-botox?p=s with over 500 comments. I didn't read all the comments but glancing I could tell that this does indeed happen and don't let anyone make you think this is something wrong with you or that Botox is 100% safe. You had a bad reaction and thank goodness you had the sense to question. Suppose you hadn't and in a few months had Botox again? Could the reaction next time be worse? I sure wouldn't want to take that chance.

I am happy for my furrowed brow. My dad had a wonderful way of puzzling life's mysteries and if I wiped that off my face, I'd be wiping off part of him. For me, everyone has to make the choice that is right for them, I am so sorry you had this happen but very glad you posted this so that others might weigh their options if they are considering Botox.

Gidget

Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:18 pm

Hi - Sorry to hear you are having this reaction - I was sick (in bed) for four months straight after having Botox injections (35 units) in forehead and around eyes last November. I've had Botox probably twice a year for the last five years and I remember one other time - years ago - that I felt unwell for three or four days - but it passed rather quickly. Up until a few years ago Botox side effects were listed as flu-like and were limited to minor side effects such as bruising, swelling, maybe drooping of the eyelid, etc. but because of reactions like yours and mine - and many others - the FDA required Allergan (the pharmaceutical company that makes Botox) to put a "black box" warning on the label in 2009. A "black box" warning is the strongest the FDA requires of drug manufacturers and calls physicians attention to potentially serious side effects of the drug. The FDA also directed Allergan to submit what is called a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy which is a detailed account of how they intend to notify physicians and patients of the updated risks associated with the use of Botox.

Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:37 pm

Had trouble finishing last post ... anyway, Allergan was to send letters to physicians to alert them of the increased risk associated with the use of Botox - and make sure that physicians had brochures to give to each patient before every Botox treatment so that they would be aware of them as well. The reason your physician was not aware - or hadn't heard of anybody having a reaction like yours - is because Allergan did not comply with this aspect of the FDA's directive. This is because Allergan is battling the FDA over issues concerning the use of Botox for conditions that have not yet been approved of by the FDA. It's a lot of legal mumbo jumbo and it has to do with certain wording and until that is settled - I imagine physicians and patients alike will be kept in the dark about the true risks associated with Botox. You can find the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy online if you search for Botox and REMS.

Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:58 pm

I must be doing something wrong here .. but I'll continue. Inside the REMS you will find a communication proposal and two letters addressed to physicians which would inform them of updated safety information regarding the risks of Botox. It also specifies that per FDA regulations, a copy of the Medication Guide must be distributed directly to each patient every time he/she recieves a Botox injection.
Given the fact that this information is two years old and 99% of doctors do not know of the increased risks - the company has, in my opinion, held back important information from the public which has cost people undue suffering. There are law suits filed against the company but Allergan has a strong advantage in keeping us all in the dark. To actually prove the product has made you ill - a Dr. has to order a blood test which would confirm that the toxin was indeed in your system. Since doctors aren't aware that the our illnesses could be related to Botox - they don't know to suspect it and don't order the one test which would confirm it.

Thu Apr 28, 2011 12:15 am

Ok - someone tell me what I'm doing wrong here ...
To finish - you can print the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy and take it to your doctor and tell him - even though he may not have recieved the letters regarding the black box warning - Allergan's position is that the physician should be aware of it anyway - and the liability then falls back on the physician for a number of reasons. Bottom line - physicians need to be aware of these changes and patients absolutely must be told. Until something can be done - and I'm looking into it - we must take this information to them and show them what's been held back from them for two years. I'm hoping that if enough of us do this - the word will begin to spread througout the physician community and they will begin to put heat on Allergan. You need to also look up the patient Medication Guide because as it stands now you need to tell your physician about ALL of the medication you are taking and even inform future doctors of the fact that you had botox because there are medications that if taken before, during, or after the time you recieve the Botox - may cause you to feel sick like you do now.

Anyway - I've been following 50 women who've been having severe side effects from Botox injections. If you've had Botox for the first time - even though you may be feeling extremely bad - it seems that most people who've only had it once recover quicker than those of us that have been at it for years. The most consistent beneficial treatment that continues to show promise is acupuncture and liver detox. I am doing both and I began to feel better almost immediately. If I can help in any other way - please let me know. God Bless

free skin care · Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:06 am

Gidget and Better Now thanks for your posts.

Better Now: Wow. There was a lot of info you posted that I didn't know. In terms of a blood test, have you had that done? I wasn't aware that that was even possible? What do they check for? Most of the women I've talked to that have had all sorts of tests have never had anything show up.

Would you be able to PM me? I would like to talk to you more about your experience if you are comfortable with that.

I also think acupuncture has helped me and I am also taking something for my liver.

free skin care · Thu Apr 28, 2011 11:38 am

This last time, I was hoping to have some botox under my eyes to minimize bags when I smiled (I don't have fat but have hollows) but my derm said that it often causes inability to close the lower lid completely and slight drooping, so I said forget it.

This time (my second time using botox) she did three jabs toward the outer portion of my eyes as she'd done before but added one more close in to the central portion but didn't want to risk anything further. No problems so far and I do look a bit better. What I really need is filler and that's on my long list of procedures when I get the money.

But in four months when I go back, I will try to be more mindful of how I feel or if I have any weird symptoms,regardless of how subtle.

free skin care · Wed May 04, 2011 10:06 pm

Better now: I haven't seen you post again but it would be really helpful if you could contact me. I am wondering out of the 50 women you are following, how many have made a full recovery and in what time frame?

Also do you believe the toxin leaves our bodies after a certain time frame like we are led to believe?

Thanks

free skin care · Wed May 04, 2011 10:07 pm

Allergan Loses $212 Million Lawsuit in Virginia Over Botox Side Effects
Apr 29, 2011

Allergan Inc. was ordered by a Virginia jury to pay $212 million to a 67-year-old man who said he got permanent brain damage after being injected with Botox to treat cramps and tremors in his hand in 2007.

The Richmond federal jury today awarded Douglas M. Ray $12 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages, according to a verdict form provided by the court. Ray, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Allergan failed to warn him that injections could trigger an autoimmune reaction leading to brain damage. Botox use left him disabled, Ray said.

Allergan denied a failure to warn or any connection between Ray’s illness and Botox use. The company hasn’t decided whether to appeal, said Caroline Van Hove, a spokeswoman for Irvine, California-based Allergan.

“The verdict reached today is inconsistent with Allergan’s past and current actions to properly warn physicians and patients about the potential risks of Botox,” Van Hove said in an e-mail. “Every known and knowable risk associated with Botox treatment based on the scientific properties of the drug was in fact warned about.”

Botox, used as a wrinkle smoother, is a purified form of the poison botulinum and is given as an injection. It also won regulatory approval last October for use as a treatment for chronic migraine headaches. The drug is also approved to treat “muscle stiffness” in the fingers and arms and “upper limb” spasticity.

Botox is Allergan’s top-selling drug, with $1.42 billion in sales last year, or 29 percent of the drugmaker’s revenue, according to data collected by Bloomberg.

Damages Capped
The $200 million in punitive damages will be capped at $350,000 under Virginia law, Van Hove said.

“If they appeal, we’ll attack the constitutionality of the cap,” said Ray’s attorney, Ray Chester, in an interview.

Ray, a retired AT&T engineer who owned a custom hat design business with his wife, received Botox injections in 2007 for tremors and writer’s cramp in his right hand, according to the complaint.

“Botox can migrate outside the injected muscles and cause side effects including botulism and severe autoimmune reactions with resulting brain damage,” Ray said in the complaint.

The injections left him “frequently confused or disoriented” and unable to care for himself, he said. Allergan was aware of this side effect and failed to sufficiently warn doctors or patients to avoid losing sales, Chester said.

The case is Ray v. Allergan Inc., 3:10-cv-00136, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond).

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-28/allergan-loses-212-million-botox-personal-injury-lawsuit-in-virginia.html

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 6:31 am

lily wrote:

Allergan Loses $212 Million Lawsuit in Virginia Over Botox Side Effects
Apr 29, 2011

Allergan Inc. was ordered by a Virginia jury to pay $212 million to a 67-year-old man who said he got permanent brain damage after being injected with Botox to treat cramps and tremors in his hand in 2007.

The Richmond federal jury today awarded Douglas M. Ray $12 million in compensatory damages and $200 million in punitive damages, according to a verdict form provided by the court. Ray, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Allergan failed to warn him that injections could trigger an autoimmune reaction leading to brain damage. Botox use left him disabled, Ray said.
.

I think one of the main issues with Allergan (and that they should be punished for!) is that they HEAVILY promote off-label use of Botox, which is illegal and should not be done.

The higher dose of botox, the more chances it will go into the bloodstream at a substantial concentration, the higher chances of side effects.

In the case of this man.. he got over 200 Units in one sitting!

I feel so terrible about this.. this poor man now is basically on a nursing home, having to use diapers, needing help getting fed, etc, etc. truly a tragedy.

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