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WASHINGTON - The popular anti-wrinkle drug Botox and a competitor Myobloc have been linked to some deaths and other severe side effects suggestive of botulism, the government warned doctors Friday.The drugs use botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve impulses to muscles, causing them to relax.

But in rare cases, the toxin may have spread beyond the injection site to other parts of the body, resulting in such problems as paralysis of respiratory muscles and difficulty swallowing, the Food and Drug Administration said. (Link)

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinium toxin is one of the most poisonous substances that occurs naturally in the wild. It is very odd that we are able to use such a deadly toxin for medical uses. Botox is used in small doses, where is it able to treat muscle spasms.

While the FDA lists numerous side effects for Botox, the majority of the deaths seem to be caused by overdoses of the chemical. Such dangerous pharmaceuticals really do need to be monitored more closely. Perhaps the FDA needs to investigate the dosages.

No matter how you look at the situation, this is a very sad event.

Justin

Tags: FDA, Hospital, Medicine, Science

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