|
Fifty-two cases of side effects from Botox treatments have been reported in Korea. Botox is a type of drug called botulinum toxin that is injected to treat frown lines and eye spasms.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it surveyed 1,300 reports of Botox use from pharmaceutical companies and medical clinics and found 52 cases in which patients experienced side effects.
As 30,000 to 40,000 Botox injections are reported in Korea every year, the actual number of side effect cases is likely much higher.
Of the 52 cases, 17 complained of droopiness around the eyes, five of swelling and four of pain. Other complaints included three each of fever, tear secretion disorder, eye irritation, lagophthalmos (inability to close the eye), dry eye, and muscle weakness.
The KFDA plans to issue a warning urging clinics and hospitals to use Botox cautiously. Korea imports enough Botox to treat some 40,000 people every year.
The U.S. FDA said last Friday that it has found that some Americans who were injected with Botox have suffered from breathing problems and others have even died.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
