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“Ended Up in the Emergency Room!”

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Comments (46)
Updated 16 Jan 2009
Posted 6 Sep 2007

Update

Not Worth It

Spent: $350 in Massachusetts

I had botox between my brows two years ago. The aesthetic results were wonderful -my forehead was smooth, but it still moved. I looked years younger. However, I got EXTREMELY sick and weak. My symptoms started a few days after the injection and lasted for about 8 weeks! I could barely get out of bed to take care of my precious family. I was extremely sick -nauseated, dizzy, weak, headaches-for the ENTIRE time. The sickness never stopped. It was 24/7. I contacted allergan in hopes that they could find a solution. I had hoped that they could possibly get the botox out of my body via an anti-body or something -do you think they helped or cared? nope. I contacted the doc that did the botox, and he didnt care either. He even sent me a postcard 4 months later that informed me that "it was time for another botox treatment." I was terribly sick and there was nothing I could do about it! I believe others have had similer reactions as me, but you dont hear about it. What bothers me is that I NEVER see any negative press or websites about botox. It is all wonderful positive stuff. Botox made me extremely sick, so it must do something to our bodies. Although I dont know why I got so sick and many others dont?

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 110 members found this review helpful

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Della Palladino (unregistered guest) 20 Apr 2008

I got Botox in my neck and shoulder's for pain after a fusion and it made me sick after the second round. They gave me two syrenges full each time. My thyroid droped from 2.5 to 1.27 and my progersterone went in the toilet. Five years later using Sam-E from the Health Food Store and Adreal Support my Thyroid is working full speed but I sill have hormone issues. I have to use progesterone cream or my breasts hurt and I keep having my period. I was so sick after the second round of shots that I could hardly get out of bed. They swear these are safe but I think that if you are the type that is sensetive to medicine then stay away from it. My situation was differant. If you get injection in your face you would not get as much botox as I did. But if you are getting them for pain, beware.

Jeannie226 (1 post) 15 Jun 2008

I got botox on my eyebrows the smallest amount because it was my 1st time and I was a little afraid. Thank goodness for the small amount however my eyes have been swollen for 5 weeks!! I look awful and feel awful - I have been to the doctor 3 times and they put me on steriods! I will Never do it again!!!

Learning (12 posts) 10 Aug 2009

Hi Jeannie - can I ask what steroids they put you on and did they help your swollen eyes? Lymphnatic drainage is helping me sowewhat.

neeena (32 posts) 16 Sep 2009

Hi Learning, What do you mean by lymphnatic drainage? I'm suffering from major puffy eyes from my botox which l had 13 days ago.

GRS (10 posts) 20 Aug 2008

I, too am having all these symptoms and more including extreme anxiety. It is reassuring that I am not alone. I have hope that it will go away but in the meantime, I know what you mean about finding help with the symptoms. Why isn't there more info about this horrible side effect??? Any further support you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

nellie (13 posts) 13 May 2009

will the anxiety are you also feeling like you are in a daze a fog??? IAM!!!

GRS (10 posts) 10 Jul 2009

Yes the fog and strange hazy headache. Hang in there I am sure we will all get better soon.

Debranne (2 posts) 23 Aug 2008

I received my 1st botox treatment and probably my last, 8/21. The day after the injections I got a nagging headache. So far, I am going into my 2nd day (it is not a severe headache, but a constant nagging one, which can be just as bad). I can only hope Tylenol helps, again. Of course, you don't hear the horror stories about Botox, because there is too much money being made. My insurance doesn't pay for TMJ nothing, not sure what to do next. Good luck to everyone with their Botox woes. Had to put my two cents in.

berykute1 (67 posts) 8 Dec 2008

I had a botox headache for three weeks. Allergan said this is a common side effect!

GRS (10 posts) 27 Aug 2008

I have made the decision to pursue acupuncture to ease the anxiety in hopes of getting some sleep at night. My insurance pays for it, thank goodness. Using anti anxiety medications seems to aggrevate it as my body's immune system seems to try to fight anything that I put in my body. I am trying to keep it clean and clear of caffeine and other things that can aggrevate these symptoms. If anyone has any suggestions, please share.

Jennifer1234 (1 post) 21 Sep 2008

I got Botox for the 3rd time this last Thursday. On Friday I had a terrible headache. Saturday my stomach was gurgling and I was nauseated. Saturday night, full food poisoning symptoms that I PRAY will go away. Nausea, vomiting, on the toilet-stomach cramps. This stuff is far more serious than I believed. I'll never get it again. Good luck to all and if anyone had these symptoms PLEASE tell me this goes away soon!

qtpieib (1 post) 21 Sep 2008

Yes you are right, botox did me exactly the same way! My flu like symptoms started immediately after I had the injection between my eyebrows! I started feeling like I was catching a cold immediately after leaving the doctors office and by the next morning it felt like I had the flu or something and these symptoms lasted 3 weeks. The injections never took effect on me and when I contacted the doctors office and informed them of this I was told to come back in. After seeing the doctor I was told it would take more injections in order for it to work at a cost of $350 each!!! I declined and will not do it again!

Learning (12 posts) 10 Aug 2009

Sounds to me your body chewed the botox up and spat it out again! You have an amazing immune system - I would not ignore the warning signs - I bet it would happen again.

SusanLHZ (unregistered guest) 1 Feb 2009

Jennifer1234, the exact same thing happened to me with the same timing. Botox Thursday, terrible migraine-like headache on Friday that lasted until Sunday, and I barfed like a champ from Saturday night through late Sunday afternoon. By Monday I felt perfectly fine. Makes sense that we've gotten sick- it is botulism after all.

Trucks are for girls, silly boys (1 post) 5 Feb 2009

Botox is a toxin. You can Google it. Wikipedia has it (Botulinum Toxin). Something toxic like this I would be afraid could turn lethal or really ruin your face ... I would be afraid of it rotting my lips off or a hole in my face. No thanks. I'll keep the wrinkles.

nellie (13 posts) 23 Apr 2009

I had it a week ago...and have terrible flu like symptoms...yuck, when does it end!!!!

nellie (13 posts) 13 May 2009

I ended up in the E.R with a full on anxiety attack and flu like symptoms...so scary. I feel just out of it, I can't concentrate..everything is a bit fuzzy, did anyone else have this???

GRS (10 posts) 17 May 2009

I felt like I was in a fog and extremely sensitive to cold. It took well into 9 months for me to feel better and I swear it affected my endocrine system although all tests except for vitamin D came back okay. Extreme vitamin D deficiency that I am dealing with but otherwise feeling almost 95% better and it is month 11 for me. I would rather feel healthy than look younger! NO MORE BOTOX FOR ME!!!!

coop (1 post) 30 Jun 2009

I got it 10 days ago and got cold like symptoms almost immediately. I thought it was allergies with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. The symptoms got more severe including weakness. I then assumed I had a cold rather than allergies but realized the irony that the symptoms came about right after the injections. After researching further and reading your comments I am thinking it is less likely a coincidence.

nellie (13 posts) 2 Jul 2009

my "cold" hasn't ended..three months now congested with a sore throat!!!! flu like symptoms probably 12 times in three months...seems like it about once every couple weeks I am flat on my back with chills. I did love the effects of the botox , but the SIDE effects just aren't worth it :-(

GRS (10 posts) 10 Jul 2009

After a full 12 months, I can say I had been feeling better until recently, when it all came back. Not nearly as bad as the beginning but still there. I can only hope that it won't take years longer to feel better. Please report to the FDA so our voices can be heard! There is not adequate warnings for this horrible suffering. Hang in there everyone!

Tocko (9 posts) 15 Jan 2011

I noticed your post from a while back and was wondering how you are doing today. I hope your nightmare has ended. I am in the 6 month of mine.
Would love an update!
Thanks

melissadoodleboug (1 post) 31 Jul 2009

Headache is common after botox injections, as the syringe penetrates the muscle. You should never rub the area, or lay down for several hours after injection to assure that it does not migrate. However, the percentage of serious side effects is rare. This is why you don't hear about it.

nellie (13 posts) 31 Jul 2009

its been 4 months the botox has worn off..FINALLY...the effects of the flu symptoms are GONE!!!! iTS SO NICE TO NOT HAVE A SORE THROAT!!!OH did any one else feel extreme forgetfulness? I felt some days like i had Alzheimer disease????

tried but failed (804 posts) 31 Jul 2009

Were any of you taking antibiotics (especially aminoglycides or tetracyclines) either right before you had the botox, at the time you had the botox or straight after you had the botox? I was taking doxycycline for 18 days before the botox and for 7 days after. Not only does the physical effect look like I had ten times the amount injected (dreadful), the side effects are unbelievably bad. There have been days when I am genuinely suicidal. I am even considering taking three months of unpaid leave to recover. I despair that it will never go away. It has only been three weeks.

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“Ended Up in the Emergency Room!”

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