Health alert over dodgy Botox
Health officials have warned of potential risks from anti-wrinkle treatment at a Perth beauty clinic, after concerns about its use of unregulated Botox injections.
The Health Department is advising people who were given Botox at Pastel Skin and Body Care in Applecross to contact the department's public health nurses, after finding the injections were not given by a registered nurse and the medicine had been illegally imported.
The investigation was triggered after a customer complaint to the department. Botox, a prescription-only medicine, must be prescribed by a medical practitioner and administered by a doctor or nurse.
Deputy chief health officer Andy Robertson said the injections were given to customers who bought anti-wrinkle treatment via internet shopping sites.
"Where possible, WA Health is contacting all of the clinic's clients who have been given injections, but information on some clients is limited," Dr Robertson said.
"Patients who have undergone anti-wrinkle treatment at Pastel Skin and Body Care within the last year, and who have not received a letter or an email from the Health Department, should contact the public health nurse on 9431 0200."
Dr Robertson said anyone having Botox injections needed to ensure they were being given by a trained health practitioner.
Injections from an unlicensed clinic, particularly where the medicine was imported from overseas and of unknown quality, placed people at greater risk from the medicine itself and cross-infection.
Australian Medical Association WA president Richard Choong said he was disturbed by the case and the potential dangers.
"Botox is something that can cause harm, particularly if you don't know exactly where to put it," Dr Choong said
The clinic did not respond.
