Counterfeit Botox blamed in 9-state outbreak of botulism-like illnesses [Video]

Dangerous counterfeit versions of botulinum toxin — better known as Botox — are being linked to an outbreak that has sickened 19 people in nine states, causing nine hospitalizations, federal safety officials are warning.

In a Tuesday alert to consumers and health care providers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said unsafe counterfeit versions of Botox had been found in multiple states and administered to people for cosmetic purposes. 

The products “appear to have been purchased from unlicensed sources” and could be misbranded, adulterated, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective and/or unsafe, the FDA said.

Two states — Illinois and Tennessee — last week reported half a dozen cases involving botulism-like symptomsfollowing shots of potentially phony products. Since then, another 13 cases have been reported in an additional seven states, with all involving women injected with phony Botox by licensed and …