TGA issues fake Botox alert over two imports seized at border

Fake Botox has been imported into Australia, and this is how authorities easily detected the counterfeit injectables.

Australian authorities have seized fake Botox at the border purchased from an overseas website.

Two unrelated batches of dodgy Botox were seized at the border, both in apparently genuine boxes from manufacturers Allergan and AbbVie.

Dodgy spelling, grammar and fonts tipped off authorities.

In an alert issued on Thursday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said the products were purchased from an overseas website, not obtained by an Australian pharmacy.

“These injectable products may pose a serious risk to your health and should not be used,” a TGA spokesperson said.

“We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites.”

Botox injectables - a type of neurotoxin protein called botulinum - are prescription-only medicines in Australia. The substance temporarily paralyses the muscles that cause wrinkles.

“For your safety, always buy medicines from reputable sources and consult your healthcare provider or local registered pharmacy if you have any concerns,” the TGA warns.

The product boxes listed the correct types of botulinum toxins, but incorrect spelling, spacing and text bolding aroused suspicions.

Genuine Botox manufacturers have confirmed to the TGA that the specific batch numbers C7211C4 and HA 33946 are not legitimate.

“Consumers should be warned that manufacturers of counterfeit goods are producing products that, to the untrained eye, may appear legitimate, highlighting the need to purchase your medicines from legitimate sources,” the TGA warns.

Internationally, non-approved Botox products have been linked to severe botulism infections, a life-threatening infection where a person’s nervous system hinders breathing and movement.

Australia’s injectable cosmetics industry was valued at $4.1bn last year.

Originally published as TGA issues fake Botox alert over two imports seized at border