Bye-Bye Botox?
February 13, 2008 · Print This Article
This past Friday, reports started flooding in blaming Allergan Inc., (the makers of Botox) for the deaths of 4 children who were undergoing treatment for Cerebral Palsy. Consequently, stocks plummeted nearly 5.5 percent in a matter of hours; panic struck investors were sell, sell, selling at warp speed. And a quick Google search will lead you to the money hungry attorneys who are ready, willing and able to take your case to court if “you or a loved one has suffered any side effects.” Give me a break, people!
Primarily touted for it’s wrinkle-reducing capabilities, Botox has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of over 20 physical and neurological ailments. Nonetheless, Botox is not an authorized protocol to treat Cerebral Palsy in the United States. And I can’t believe I’m about to defend a multi-million dollar company however, in this particular situation the manufacturer is not to blame for these unfortunate circumstances. Shouldn’t the target be the Doctors who administered these injections without adhering to the stringent guidelines - consciously performing “off label” procedures? Shouldn’t they be the parties held responsible for these unnecessary deaths?
Certainly, if it were my child who was suffering from tremors and unable to walk, I would do everything in my power to ease and or alleviate their trauma - even if it meant seeking unconditional or unapproved methods. Be that as it may, I can’t rationalize why not only Allergan, but their competitor - Myobloc, are having to undergo the scrutiny of the F.D.A when they clearly are providing a product - not a service. I hate to say it, and while I have the utmost sympathy for the grieving parents, they along with their physicians are the ones who made the decision to put these children at risk, not Allergan.
As with any pharmaceutical drug there are potential risks, and despite our knowledge and forewarnings we roll the dice with these legal compounds. We willingly infuse ourselves with toxins that may take a life, or perhaps yield long-term irreversible side effects. Chemotherapy is poison, yet we utilize it and administer it in the hopes of curing deadly diseases. It’s a catch-22, we either die from the disease or die trying to cure it by the hands of negligent practitioners.
On 02/13/08 at 1:59 pm
Gina said:
No one likes to follow the rules, but everyone likes to put the blame elsewhere. It’s 21st century human nature!
On 02/13/08 at 2:30 pm
chomsky at the bit said:
Apparently That needle is mighty excited to be near that girls face. Looks like a little case of premature botoxification. ( aw snap, did you see what I did.. yeah, you did)
I slay me.
On 02/13/08 at 2:36 pm
Trista said:
Niiiiiiice, chomsky. Real nice. I chortled, even.
On 02/13/08 at 5:05 pm
Vic said:
There is a movement among dentists (specifically oral and maxillofacial surgeons) to inject botox and dermal fillers like Restylane. The debate falls into the interpretation of each individual state’s Dental Practice Act. Would you feel comfortable having your dentist perform this ervice for you?
I’m on the fence.
And it hurts my butt.
On 02/13/08 at 8:15 pm
Karri said:
Actually, Botox is an excellent treatment for TMJ. Ironically, in California an R.N. could perform the injections, but not a Dentist…I find that odd. Personally, I’d do it in a heartbeat, I’m sick of my face being lopsided and if my dentist could do it, I wouldn’t hesitate. Then again, I’m a self-proclaimed Guinea pig.
Fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse are more of an art form as opposed to Botox which requires a fairly decent amount of muscle structure knowledge. I’d certainly hope that a Dentist would qualify on both accounts.
Get off the fence, take a trip West and I’ll let you practice on me.
On 02/18/08 at 11:11 am
SallyEve said:
If your going to point the blame…point it in the proper direction.
The only reason Allergan is being blamed is there’s the chance the family could make more money off of them by suing. Why sue a doctor when you can get more money off a company thats willing to pay you off so you’ll shut the hell up?