Allergan's Wrinkle Drug May Have Led To Botulism Cases

Two people in their 50s who are being treated for botulism in Florida may have contracted the illness after receiving injections to reduce wrinkles, the Associated Press reported, citing a spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The wrinkle medication, called Botox, is derived from the toxin that causes botulism, a potentially fatal paralytic illness; health officials are investigating, the AP said. The unidentified couple were in critical condition in Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center on Sunday night, breathing through ventilators and being fed intravenously, the AP said, citing Charles Schallop, a neurologist who's treating them. Hospital officials didn't return a call seeking up-to-date information on their condition, the news agency said. At this time, Allergan, Inc (NYSE: AGN) cannot determine whether the stories involving patients treated at the Advanced Integrated Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida have anything to do with Allergan's product BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A).

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