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Botox shots, possibly counterfeit, linked to botulism-like illnesses
Federal officials are trying to determine the source of Botox injections — some of the shots potentially counterfeits — linked to an outbreak of botulism-like illnesses in several U.S. states.
The Food and Drug Administration told CBS MoneyWatch it is working with other federal and state agencies to identify the cause of an outbreak that has sickened at least six people in Illinois and Tennessee injected with the botulinum toxin.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported four people in the state had been stricken with botulism-like symptoms, including two hospitalized after getting possible counterfeit injections.
In Illinois, health officials are warning medical providers to be on the alert for patients with botulism after two people became ill and were hospitalized with symptoms including blurred vision, droopy face and difficulty breathing. Both received injections from a licensed nurse in LaSalle County who administered treatment without authorization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the botulinum toxin injections — commonly called Botox —were done in “non-medical” settings, and “the sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified.”
Allergan, the FDA-approved manufacturer of Botox, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Approved for cosmetic use more than 20 years ago, Botox is a popular drug used to smooth wrinkles and look younger, with injections typically costing around $530, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The effects of a shot last three to four months on average, so additional shots are needed to remain wrinkle-free.
Botulism is a serious and sometimes fatal illness caused by a toxin that can be transmitted by food or result from untreated wounds, while infants can develop an intestinal form of the illness, according to the CDC.
So-called iatrogenic botulism is caused by excessive exposure to the botulinum toxin, although confirmed cases occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections are rare, according to health officials. Injections should involve an FDA-approved product administered by a licensed provider, health experts advise.
The FDA urged people experiencing adverse effects or health care providers receiving patients with adverse effects to report them to the FDA MedWatch reporting program.
Federal officials have previously cracked down on unregulated Botox and other cosmetic treatments. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Ohio intercepted such fillers that had been shipped from Bulgaria, China, Korea and Spain.
CBS News
Kamala Harris will speak with “60 Minutes” tomorrow. Here’s what to know for the interview.
Voters will get the chance to hear from Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday as she presents her case for why she should be president in a “60 Minutes” election special.
For decades, “60 Minutes” has featured both Republican and Democratic nominees for presidents, but this year, former President Donald Trump backed out after previously indicating he would be on the show. Correspondent Scott Pelley, who’d been set to interview Trump, will instead travel to Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to more than 60% of Arizona’s voters and a critical battleground in a key swing state.
One thing is certain about the election; with the U.S. deeply involved in both the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, whoever wins on Nov. 5 will become a wartime president.
What Harris will discuss
Israel’s war started one year ago after Hamas launched a surprise terror attack and correspondent Bill Whitaker will discuss the ongoing war with Harris.
Harris will also discuss the economy, immigration, her record as vice president and the differences between herself and Trump.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz will also appear.
Whitaker joined the Democratic ticket on the campaign trail this week to gain insight into their platform’s priorities and values, and what the candidates believe voters should know.
Why Trump pulled out of the “60 Minutes” interview
Leading up to the candidate hour, Trump, through campaign spokespeople, was the first candidate to accept the “60 Minutes” request to be interviewed for the special, according to CBS News. It had been agreed that both candidates would receive equal time during the broadcast.
Trump last sat down with 60 Minutes in 2020. He walked out during the interview with Lesley Stahl. Trump referenced the incident on Tuesday night at a Milwaukee press conference when asked about his decision not to participate in the Oct. 7 “60 Minutes” election special.
“Well, right now, I went to – they came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first I want to get an apology, because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the ‘laptop from hell’ was from Russia, and I said it wasn’t from Russia. It was from Hunter, and I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes.’ I do everything.”
The Republican nominee for president emphasized that he felt he was owed an apology from “60 Minutes.”
“Let’s see if they do it. I wouldn’t mind doing 60,” Trump continued. “I’ve done ’60 Minutes’ a lot.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s team had not agreed to an interview.
“Fake News,” Cheung said in a post on X. “60 Minutes begged for an interview, even after they were caught lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop back in 2020. There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in. They also insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented.”
Previous Trump, Harris appearances on 60 Minutes
Trump previously sat down with “60 Minutes'” Mike Wallace in 1985, Pelley in 2015 and Lesley Stahl twice in 2016, first in July of that year and then again in November of 2016. He also spoke with Stahl again in 2018 and 2020.
Harris previously sat down with Whitaker last year. She also was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell, “CBS Evening News” anchor and “60 Minutes” contributing correspondent, in 2020.
How to watch the “60 Minutes” election special
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