A counterfeit version of “Botox” has been found in the United States and has reached physicians’ offices and medical clinics nationwide, per a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration.

“The product was sold by an unlicensed supplier who is not authorized to ship or distribute drug products in the United States. The counterfeit products are considered unsafe and should not be used. FDA cannot confiStock_000015347753_Small (2)irm that the manufacture, quality, storage, and handling of these suspect products follow U.S. standards,” the agency said in a news release.

La Chelé medical patients can be assured that we ALWAYS purchase our injectable neuromodulators and fillers – such as Botox (Allergan), Dysport (Galderma), and Xeomin (Merz) – directly from the supplier. La Chele Medical Aesthetics holds rankings as one of the largest injectable practices in the United States.  Dr. Espinoza trains physicians how to inject for both Galderma and Allergan across the East Coast.

It is very important to always make sure you are receiving the approved U.S. version of these products. If you suspect you might be receiving a counterfeit version, we encourage you to call Allergan, Galderma, or Merz directly to ensure your provider has an account with the company.

The FDA is asking the public to report suspect Botox products by calling the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations at 800-551-3989, online at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/email/oc/oci/contact.cfm, or by email at DrugSupplyChainIntegrity@fda.hhs.gov”.