Australians have been issued a renewed warning about counterfeit vials of Botox that continue to appear in the country.
The counterfeit vials were packaged to appear as genuine Botox products, but parent company AbbVie has confirmed the products, with batch number C8478C4, are not genuine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration says.
“Counterfeit products have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy,” the TGA said in its latest warning.
The TGA has issued another warning over counterfeit Botox products being sold into Australia. (TGA)
“These products pose a significant public health and safety risk and should not be used.”
The TGA last issued a warning over the Botox fakes in July last year.
However, the medical product watchdog said people continued to buy the counterfeit vials from an overseas website and not from an Australian pharmacy.
“Manufacturers of counterfeit goods are producing products that may appear legitimate,” the warning read.
The product poses “health risks”. (TGA)
“This highlights the importance of purchasing medicines from legitimate sources.”
Botox and other botulinum toxin products are prescription-only in Australia.
People with a valid prescription may import most prescription-only medicines from overseas for their personal use, but counterfeit products are not permitted to be imported regardless of prescription status.
“For your safety, always buy medicines and medical devices from reputable sources and consult your healthcare provider or local registered pharmacy if you have any concerns,” the warning read.
Anybody who has any of the counterfeit Botox is urged to take it to their local pharmacy for safe disposal.
People can report suspected counterfeit medication to the TGA online here, or by contacting 1800 020 653.
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