How to Spot Fake BOTOX?: 7 Crucial Differences You Need to Know

BOTOX? has become a household name in the realm of cosmetic procedures, renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, as its popularity has soared, so has the counterfeit product market.

This issue is far from new.

AbbVie, the maker of BOTOX? and BOTOX? Cosmetic, has been locked in a relentless fight against the global surge in counterfeit BOTOX? production for several years.

This issue has only worsened over time, prompting Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, to continuously update their branding—tweaking colors, packaging, and logos, and even adding intricate holograms to vials—to stay ahead in the battle against counterfeiters.

If you’ve been in the aesthetic business for a while, chances are you’ve encountered third-party sellers—often via a random email—offering BOTOX? at a suspiciously low rate, like $300 per vial

Third-party suppliers often claim to source the product from Canada or the UK, which might seem safe at first glance. But once the product arrives, if you lack the necessary knowledge and a sharp eye for detail, you could easily overlook the subtle clues that reveal your product is in fact counterfeit.

These cleverly rebranded knockoffs are not manufactured by AbbVie’s Allergan Aesthetics but rather in unregulated pharmacies, potentially resulting in an adulterated and contaminated version of the medicine.

With the recent surge in prices, now averaging around $660 per vial, medspa, and aesthetic practice owners may find themselves tempted to consider cheaper alternatives but it is important to remember the old adage in instances like these: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

It's important to remember the old adage in instances like these: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Here are seven key differences to help you identify authentic BOTOX? from its counterfeit counterparts.

1. Packaging and Labeling

• Real: Authentic BOTOX? comes in packaging with clear, professional labeling that includes the Allergan logo and a holographic seal. The outer carton should identify the manufacturer as "Allergan Aesthetics / An AbbVie Company," "Allergan," or "AbbVie."
• Fake: Counterfeit products may have poorly printed labels, missing holograms, or incorrect manufacturer information. The outer carton might display the active ingredient as "Botulinum Toxin Type A" instead of "OnabotulinumtoxinA," indicate 150-unit doses (a size not made by AbbVie or Allergan), contain non-English language, or display the lot number "C3709C3."

2. Active Ingredient Listing

• Real: The active ingredient is listed as "OnabotulinumtoxinA" on both the outer carton and vial.
• Fake: Counterfeit products might list the active ingredient as "Botulinum Toxin Type A" instead.

3. Lot Numbers and Manufacturing Information

• Real: Vials and packaging always include a lot number, manufacturing date, and expiration date. On authentic products, you'll find dates and information printed next to "LOT:, MFG:, EXP:" on the carton.
• Fake: Counterfeit versions may have missing or incorrect lot numbers or nothing printed next to these labels. According to the FDA, some counterfeit BOTOX? contain the lot number “C3709C3.”
• Helpful Tip: Make sure the lot number on the vial matches the box.

4. Unit Sizes

• Real: Authentic BOTOX? is FDA-approved and is only available in 50-, 100-, and 200-unit vials in the United States.
• Fake: If you encounter a product claiming to be BOTOX? in any other size, such as 150 units, it's likely counterfeit.

5. Language on Packaging

• Real: Packaging and labeling intended for the U.S. market will be in English.
• Fake: Some counterfeit products may have non-English text on the outer carton and vial.

6. Price

• Real: Genuine BOTOX? is typically around $660 per vial.
• Fake: Prices found online starting from $300 per vial are a red flag. Always ensure you purchase BOTOX? directly from your local Allergan Aesthetics representative.

7. Holographic Features

• Real: Vials feature a holographic image that reads "Allergan." This sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measure is difficult to replicate accurately, making it a reliable indicator of authenticity.
• Tamper-Evident Seal with Allergan Logo Hologram: Real BOTOX? cartons have a “Tamper-Evident Seal” on top of the box, which also features a hologram.
• Fake: These features are usually missing.

Helpful Tips

• Lot Number Match: Ensure the lot number on the vial matches the one on the box.
• Tamper-Evident Seal: Ensure that the seal on the carton is not broken when opening the box to retrieve the vial.
• Track and Trace: AbbVie can verify the authenticity and approval of BOTOX? for sale in the United States. When in doubt, reach out to your local AbbVie-Allergan Aesthetics rep.
• Consider the Source: As a business owner—whether you operate a medspa, plastic surgery clinic, dermatology practice, or any other establishment that administers BOTOX?—it's imperative to purchase BOTOX? only from authorized AbbVie representatives.

Conclusion

As the cost of in-demand products like BOTOX? continues to rise, it’s understandable that medspa owners and clinics offering these treatments might feel tempted to cut corners in order to maintain profitability.?

However, when it comes to any kind of medication—especially a purified toxin like Botulinum Toxin—cutting corners is not just a bad idea, it's a dangerous one.?

While there are certainly more effective and ethical ways to reduce business expenses, compromising the quality of your products is both unethical and illegal. More importantly, it puts your patients—who have entrusted you with their care—at serious risk of short-term and long-term harm.?

BOTOX? acquired from unlicensed sources can be misbranded, adulterated, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored or transported, and ultimately, ineffective or unsafe.?

The health risks associated with using such products are significant and can jeopardize both your patients' well-being and your professional reputation. In short, it's simply not worth the risk.

In short, it's simply not worth the risk.

For more information, click on the following link to read the FDA warning.