You think it’s Botox®, but it’s not!

Photo from Dr. Rothenberg’s Web site

This is certainly not the first time this happens, but there is another very public story about a respected and well-known doctor who is accused of injecting patients with a substance that was presented as Botox, but in reality it was not the formulation of Botox approved by the FDA (American Food and Drugs Administration).

Dr. Gayle Rothenberg from Houston, Tex. is accused of allegedly telling patients she was injecting them with Botox Cosmetic, having them sign consent forms identifying Botox, and then injecting them with an unapproved generic product that was advertised to the doctor and her husband at a medical seminar.

Reportedly, Dr. Rothenberg made the decision to use this generic brand of Botox based on financial considerations. By using a generic Botox and telling patients she was using a more affordable brand, she was still able to charge for Botox treatments, but the cost of the injection to her was about half the cost of (real) Botox treatments. Basically, she is accused of making a substantial profit at the expense of her clients’ health (and trust).

Dr. Rothenberg (and her husband), who is trained in anaesthesiology and phlebology (vein surgery), is now reportedly facing 14 different American federal counts, including misbranding a drug for sale.

How can you protect yourself and your health?

In Canada, Health Canada regulates all cosmetic injections and in the U.S., the FDA approves certain products based on strict guidelines. You should also make sure that the rdoctor, cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon you choose to work with are in fact operating according to the guidelines of these entities and also make sure that your doctor is certified to do the procedure in question.

Make sure you do your research before using the services of any doctor. You have the right to ask for references and you also have the right to ask your doctor to look at the vials to see logos, brand marks or holograms.

If you didn’t read the story of Patricia Villegas, president of Altiva New York Temple of Beauty and Renewal, you can still catch it here: Beautician charged in cosmetic treatment case.