Botulism 101: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, And Prevention
Iatrogenic Botulism

Iatrogenic botulism occurs in those who overdose on the botulism toxin Botox, which develops similarly to the way injectable drug users contract the disease. Botox is used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes to reduce the appearance of aging. Standard doses of botox injections recommended for cosmetic treatment are too weak to cause botulism to develop; however, higher than normal amounts injected for muscle movement treatment may cause symptoms to appear. One study found four patients who received an injection from an unlicensed, highly concentrated form of botox toxin caused severe botulism.