Urgent Botox Safety Alert Issued by UK Health Agency Amidst Botulism Cases
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent public health warning following 38 confirmed cases of iatrogenic botulism. These cases are linked to unlicensed Botox-like injections administered between June 4 and July 14, 2025. The majority of these cases were reported in North East England, raising serious concerns about the safety of unregulated cosmetic procedures.
Symptoms reported include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and breathing difficulties requiring respiratory support. Dr. Gauri Godbole from UKHSA has emphasised that symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop. She advises anyone who has had recent botulinum toxin procedures and is experiencing symptoms to seek immediate NHS medical attention.
The warning comes as new UK regulations take effect from June 2025. These regulations require all patients to have in-person consultations with qualified medical professionals before receiving injectable treatments. Dr. Alison Cave from the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency stressed that “botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied under a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner.”
