Health officials are warning medical tourists against travelling abroad for a weight loss procedure after a spike in cases of a serious disease.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is urging people to avoid stomach injection treatments in Turkey due to a rise in cases of botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness, caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves that causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and even death.
Of cases with available information, 60 are linked to a private hospital in Istanbul and three linked to a separate private clinic in Izmir, Türkiye.
A total of 67 cases of botulism have been reported in patients who received stomach injection, with cases also reported in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Findings show that all patients received intragastric injections of botulism neurotoxin (BoNT) for weight loss between February 22 and March 1, 2023.
Injecting botulinum toxin into the stomach wall temporarily relaxes the muscles and slows stomach emptying. The procedure can help you feel full longer after eating, making it easier to eat less and lose weight. The poison is present in these injections as it offers a mild paralysing effect to areas to improve wrinkles and fine lines.
Anyone who received the treatment in Istanbul and Izmir at this time are being asked to seek medical advice from their local healthcare provider - especially if symptoms like weakness and difficulty in breathing/swallowing occur.
So far, infected cases have ranged from mild to severe with several affected being hospitalised, with some admitted to Intensive Care Units and received treatment with botulinum anti-toxin. Other symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, slurred speech, and drooping eyelids.
Investigations carried out by Turkish authorities revealed that licensed BoNT products were administered in the treatments at both locations, but that these products are not approved for the treatment of obesity by intragastric injection.
As a result, investigations have been launched into both hospitals and have had their activities suspended. As of now, it is not confirmed whether the event is related to the administered product or procedures carried out by medical providers.
In recent years, Turkey has become a haven for Brits looking to get discount deals on aesthetic procedures like veneers, hair implants and gastric bands. However, a warning was previously issued to Brits after a number of deaths occurred from overseas medical treatments.
On July, 28, 2022, The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO) reported that 20 UK nationals had died after receiving cosmetic procedures abroad.
AbbVie Company statement in response to the Turkey Botulism article: "AbbVie is aware of reports regarding the off-label use of botulinum toxins following a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, Turkey, on 11th March 2023. We do not promote the use of any of our products for unapproved indications and while strictly only adhering to approved indications in all our activities. Patient safety is our top priority and we are committed to meeting the highest standards of product quality."
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