A woman from California, Sarah Danielle, 45, is urging others to learn about the possible risks linked to Botox injections. She intended to have a Botox procedure that went wrong, leading her to warn other women of the dangers involved.
Danielle recounts her experience, which she shared with Newsweek. She scheduled an appointment for brand-name Botox but later got uncertain if she received the genuine product or a generic version of botulinum toxin. On May 7, aiming for a smoother forehead before a trip with friends, Danielle asked for 40 units. She did not disclose the clinic’s name but mentioned that a registered nurse administered the injection.
Unexpectedly, Danielle received 65 units. Initially, everything seemed to be alright, though the procedure hurt more than previous ones. She noticed small bumps on her forehead, which the nurse practitioner said were normal. However, in the days that followed, she reported experiencing “alarming” symptoms to Newsweek.
“Blurry vision, difficulty swallowing, itchy eyes, dry mouth, profound fatigue, feelings of intoxication, and muscle weakness,” she said. “The situation became scary very quickly.”
In fear of having a stroke, Danielle rushed to the emergency room. Her symptoms persisted, resulting in multiple hospital visits and a total of seven nights spent there. She described her journey as terrifying, recounting the ambulance ride and the fear of the unknown. Her recovery, weeks later, is gradual and emotionally taxing.
Danielle inquired about possible side effects before the procedure but felt these were “very much downplayed.” Now, she advises others to conduct their own research to fully grasp the potential dangers before pursuing such treatments. Botox is widely used both for aesthetic reasons and certain medical conditions like migraines. It is the brand name for botulinum toxin injections, which are neurotoxins.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, potential side effects include pain, swelling, or bruising at the site, and flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, more serious symptoms such as vision issues, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, slurred speech, numbness or paralysis in untreated areas, severe stomach upset, and blood in the urine may arise.
The spokesperson for Botox’s parent company, Allergan, referred Newsweek to the Botox Cosmetic product label. This states that the recommended dose for the forehead and glabellar lines combined is 40 units. The indicated administration for forehead lines involves 0.1 mL (4 units) injected into each of the 5 sites, totaling 20 units, with the same dosage for glabellar lines.
Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, a U.K. governmental body that connects patients with verified practitioners for cosmetic treatments, told Newsweek that Danielle’s case is not isolated. However, when handled by trustworthy professionals with genuine products, severe systemic reactions are uncommon.
Collins noted that severe cases often involve counterfeit or unlicensed products obtained online or imported outside regulated supply chains, or are due to untrained individuals administering treatments. If a toxin is improperly administered, there’s a risk it could affect muscles beyond the intended target. Collins describes Danielle’s symptoms as serious red flags signaling potential systemic botulinum toxin effects, indicating the need for urgent medical evaluation.
Having undergone Botox sessions before without issue, Danielle now underscores that Botox and similar injections can pose inherent dangers. “It’s a gamble in the name of vanity in a lot of cases—such as my own,” she expressed. “If you are injected and something feels off, especially symptoms like vision changes, trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing, or unusual weakness, don’t brush it off. Check in with your provider right away, and if symptoms feel severe, seek emergency care.”
Agreeing with Danielle’s advice, Collins urged vigilance for red flags at clinics, such as practitioners increasing the dose without prior discussion or dismissing unusual reactions without proper medical oversight. Practitioners must prescribe doses specifically for each patient rather than letting patients request them.
Collins highlighted the risk of unapproved products being sold as Botox, potentially bypassing regulatory checks or containing different substances. She advised patients to verify the prescriber’s medical credentials, inquire about the exact product used, understand how complications will be managed, and where they would be referred if complications occur.
Danielle has shared her experience on her TikTok account @hellosarahdanielle, aiming to raise awareness about the possible complications of Botox injections.