A Subpoena for Allergan over Botox: Should You Be Worried?

By Dr. Surjit Rai

Yesterday, Allergan, Inc, the maker of Botox, reported that it received a subpoena from the US Department of Justice regarding its promotion of Botox for use in treating headaches. Coming a short time after allegations that Botox (and a similar competing product) caused the death of 16 people, this newest development may unnerve some users of the drug.

But there is no reason to be concerned, because:

• That this subpoena is about the advertising of Botox and has nothing to do with the alleged deaths
• The deaths associated with Botox are only alleged to have been caused by the toxin: A connection has not been conclusively established.
• Only one of the deaths might actually have been connected with a cosmetic use of Botox.
• Since its introduction as a cosmetic procedure, over 16 MILLION Botox treatments have been conducted, meaning that your chances of dying from Botox injections are less than 1 in 1 million, making it over one thousand times less likely than the lifetime risk of dying by complications of other medical and surgical care.

Considering all these facts, Botox is and remains one of the safest cosmetic procedures available. With its proven track record and minimal side effects, there is no reason to avoid Botox injections.

To learn more about Botox’s effects and its risks, contact Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center to set up your free initial consultation.