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*** BOTOX *** The Fox Law Firm is Reviewing Potential BOTOX Claims Death Respiratory Failure Facial Paralysis Pneumonia Cardiovascular Problems
Have you experienced severe health issues – such as respiratory failure or facial paralysis - following the use of Botox? Have your loved ones suffered adversely – or even died - after being given Botox? If so, you should contact us immediately to protect your legal rights. If you or your loved ones have experienced any of these side effects you may have a claim for legal compensation. Contact The Fox Law Firm for superior legal representation. Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Today, it is the most toxic protein known, and is a popular treatment for a variety of conditions, including both muscular spasms, and cosmetic-related procedures – such as the temporary lessening of lines and wrinkles on the face. It is widely and commercially available under a variety of brand-names, the most well-known and instantly recognized one being Botox. During the 1950s, exploratory investigations into Botulinum demonstrated that when miniscule amounts of the toxin were injected into patients with conditions that caused overactivity of their muscles, the effect was a distinct and very noticeable decrease in that same muscle activity. Further research demonstrated that this change in the patient’s condition resulted from the ability of the toxin to block the release of acetylcholoine, thus preventing the muscles in question from having the ability to contract. Trials revealed that the effects of Botulinium typically remained in place for a period of time extending from 3 to 4 months. By the early 1970s, Alan B Scott, MD, of the Smith-Kettlewell Institute had utilized botulinium toxin type A in experiments with monkeys; and at the start of the 1980s had used the toxin to successfully treat human subjects afflicted by Starbismus – a condition in which the eyes of the patients are incorrectly aligned. In 1988, Allergan, Inc., a company whose work was focused upon both prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, purchased the rights to the toxin and renamed it Botox. Then, in December 1989, Botox was officially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for usage in the treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm in patients specifically, and only, over 12 years of age. As far as the cosmetic applications of Botox are concerned, on April 15, 2002, the FDA issued a release to the public and medical authorities in which it was stated that the FDA had taken the decision to approve Botox as a form of treatment for people with mild to severe lines between the eyebrows. Currently, according to figures collated, analyzed and studied by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox is the most common, popular and widespread cosmetic operation regularly undertaken within the United States: nearly 5 million applications of Botox now having been undertaken – chiefly on those wishing to noticeably reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Today, Botox is available at hospitals and spas, and it may be provided to the patient by a variety of sources, including qualified plastic surgeons, qualified dermatologists, cosmetic physicians, and nurses. While most of the health risks that have come to be associated with the usage of Botox are not life-threatening (and may include flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, and muscle weakness), far more serious, and sometimes deadly, side-effects have been noted and demonstrated. For example, in September 2005, the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology published a paper in which it was stated that nearly 30 deaths had resulted from the use of Botox in the period dating from 1989 to 2003. On February 8, 2008, a statement pertaining to Botox usage in the United States was issued by the FDA, and which, in part, said: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today notified the public that Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses.” The FDA elaborated further, and explained that the side- effects in question were found in both FDA-approved and non-approved usages; and that the most serious reactions were found in children treated for cerebral palsy-associated spasticity. The serious side-effects at issue were caused by the unanticipated spread of Botox from the site of the injection to other, specific areas of the body. This resulted in Botulism-like symptoms, including problems swallowing, bodily weakness, and very serious respiratory issues. Additional Information:
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