Warning on long-term side-effects of Botox (EXPLAINING NANCY PELOSI ALERT)

The Daily Telegraph ^ | November 22, 2002 | David Derbyshire

[MadIvan]

The long-term effects of Botox, the anti-wrinkle drug favoured by ageing celebrities, are unknown, a leading neurologist has warned.

According to Dr Peter Misra, of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, Botox is being used "ahead of clear scientific evidence".

In an editorial in the British Medical Journal, he says the drug, a derivative of the deadly botulism toxin, is used to treat conditions based on anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies.

The fastest growing cosmetic treatment, Botox injections are used to reduce wrinkles. The toxin affects nerve endings, preventing the brain from sending messages that make muscles contract.

Sir Cliff Richard, Lulu and Christine Hamilton are among the celebrities known to have used the treatment. Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Liz Hurley are also rumoured to have used it.

Studies have suggested that that the drug can also help with migraines and Parkinson's disease. Dr Misra said the toxin was licensed only for a few specific conditions in Britain, "based on clear scientific evidence of its efficacy and safety". These conditions include muscle spasms and stiffness, twitching and excessive sweating.

"Botulinum toxin is reported to be useful in more than 50 conditions," he added. "Some of the 'off-licence' indications are substantiated by some evidence, but its efficacy in several other conditions is based on anecdote and observations made in small numbers of patients."

Animal studies had shown that the toxin affects the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain while a version of the poison plays a part in inhibiting neurotransmitters, he said.

Well you'd have to not be firing on all cylinders to reach Pelousy's state of idiocy - Ivan

"Popular magazines and newspapers regularly report its use by celebrities from the film, television and music industries," he said.

"In this atmosphere of 'Botox parties' where champagne-sipping socialites are injected with botulinum toxin it is easy to forget that botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin and that its very long-term effects are still unknown."

Not all celebrities are fans of the treatment. Lynne Franks, the public relations guru and the inspiration for the television series Absolutely Fabulous, suffered side-effects including a drooped eye muscle when she had Botox injections in America in the late 1990s.

Sir Cliff Richard also complained about drooping eyelids after using the therapy.

Caroline Van Hove, a spokesman for Allergan, the company which makes Botox, said the treatment was "safe and effective" and had been studied for 20 years.

"Botox is currently used in over 70 countries and there has been no evidence to date of any long-term safety concerns associated with the treatment," she said.

"As with any pharmaceutical product, there are potential side-effects. Side-effects that can occur are known to be minor and of a temporary nature, including headache, respiratory infection, temporary eyelid droop, nausea and flu syndrome."

In the 1980s, the drug was found to be an effective muscle relaxant. Doctors mostly use Botox for treating children with cerebral palsy and excessive sweating. It can also be used for pain from whiplash injury, facial wounds, stuttering and twitching.

Anti-wrinkle injections using Botox cost a couple of hundred pounds and last for several months.

[MadIvan]

This certainly explains why celebrities appear to be increasingly stupid as time goes on and botox usage goes up.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[sauropod]

True! But does botox foster "progressive" ideas and consciences?

If so, it really is a killer toxin. HRP

[anniegetyourgun]

It only last for several months? Well, then forget it....why, I could be old in a matter of months.

[MadIvan]

Well think about it, Hillary probably takes it too. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[MonroeDNA]

Hillary has an IV.

[anniegetyourgun]

Of witches brew.

[meenie]

I suppose that biotoxin could explain some of this liberal philosophy. However, some of this has to be genetic and some has to be stupidity. There is no way the eccentricacies of Hillary and Pelosi should be blamed totally for their use of biotoxin.

[jtill]

I have several friends who get Botox injections every three months - for spasmatic tortacollis. It's a nerve injury that pulls the head over to one side and is very painful. The Botox allows the neck muscles to return to normal so that the head goes back to a mostly upright condition.

You can tell by Pelosi's eyes that she has had Botox for wrinkles. Notice when she gives that idiotic big smile that the eyes stay wide open - that's because the nerves/muscles aren't responding to the brain. Try to keep your eyes wide and smile as big as she does - I can't do it, can you?

[anniegetyourgun]

You mean as in THIS likeness that came to me the other day?

[Lizavetta]

If it's Botox and you know it clap your hands...
If it's Botox and you know it clap your hands...
It it's Botox and you know it
Then your face will surely show it
If it's Botox and you know it clap your hands...

[perfect stranger]

this Botox is just another step along the path called "trying to live in the past", AKA "denial".

They have my pity.

[daguberment]

Damn, she's hot.

[Cvengr]

I don't know which is more nerve-racking, the Botox appearance or the 'shark-eyes' glare.

[John Lenin]

Anybody willing to be a guinea pig should not cry when the negative effects show up.

[b4its2late]

Take a minute and just imagine what her butt must look like.....

[jtill]

Precisely!

[dennisw]

I don't know which is more nerve-racking, the Botox appearance or the 'shark-eyes' glare.

Sharks never blink do they? I know Nancy doesn't according to one commentator

[Lizavetta]

Judging by the sculpted sunken look of her eyes, she's had her lids done too. When you get to be her age, your thin facial skin starts sagging big time, so you just cut off the excess. The scar is hidden in your eyelid crease. It's called a bleph- something or other.

[Billthedrill]

Lordamighty, is that a smile or a death rictus? If that turns up in my dreams tonight you are in big, big trouble...

[ZOOKER]

What amazes me is that the same dried-up hags that scream at you for lighting up within 1/2 mile of them will put any unproven and possibly dangerous remedy on their wrinkles.

[Owl_Eagle]

 the drug, a derivative of the deadly botulism toxin

 

I read this article with great interest as I am currently close to releasing a botox related invention.  For those who are interested in the botox treatment, but are afraid of needles, I think I've discovered a new technique where it's adminstered via chicken salad sandwich.

Owl_Eagle

"Unleash the Hogs of Peace."
P.J. O'Rourke Parliament of Whores

[Dudesdad]

I would never knowingly put that crap into my body but after looking at that picture I need a drink.

[WVNan]

Well, if BOTOX causes all these horrible things that everyone has listed I'm in a world of hurt. I get 6 shots around each eye every 4-5 months. It helps me keep my eyes open so that I can drive and function at my job. If it weren't for BOTOX I would be confined to my home unable to keep my eyes open to read or work at my computer, or freep. Thank God for BOTOX that treats my Benign Essential Belpharospasm. Side effects? Haven't noticed any in 10 years of use. From experience, I think that N.P. has had surgery to nip and tuck the eye lids. If she were using BOTOX she wouldn't have the crowsfeet lines at the corner of her eyes. I don't have any.

[Endeavor]

Actually, I think her wide eyed no matter what look is due to too much cosmetic surgery. Botox works at the neurosynaptic junction to block neurotransmitter and therefore interrupting the excitation of the nerve and keeping the associated muscle (s) from responding - most of this results in relaxing a muscle or inhibiting muscle contraction - that's why the wrinkles don't show and that's why eyelids can droop if it is injected inappropriately.

You are dead on regarding the use of Botox for some form of torticollis. As someone else mentioned, it has also been used in the spastic form (muscles, in essence are too tight) of cerebral palsy.

[Pushi]

I once knew a woman who had so many face lifts that she had a dimple in her chin and a goatee.

[seeker41]

I have several friends who get Botox injections every three months - for spasmatic tortacollis

My mother has had spasmodic torticollis (a form of Dystonia) for the past 15 years. It has been hell for her, she is in constant pain and was in the first clinical trails for Botox. She now has an implanted Medtronics pump filled with morphine for the pain. It has helped her to be able to function and live a realitivrly normal lifr. The BOTOX quit working several years ago...that happens often.

[seeker41]

lifr=life.

[Minnesota Lady]

I have a friend who had a stroke. She now has some form of dystonia. And, it's slowly creeping further into her. Started with just the arm and leg, now in her neck, shoulder and back. She says it's very painful, and gets charlie horses. They tried a multitude of Botox shots, and they did nothing. I believe she said she had over 100 one time, up and down her arm and shoulder. The docs couldn't believe that it didn't do anything for her. She now has a tingling sensation in her arm, where before, you could pinch her and she couldn't feel it. Yet, the charlie horses continue. A terrible yet amazing syndrome.

[seeker41]

Here's a helpful link that explains Dystonia, it really is a horrible disease.

http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

Hope your friend finds relief, my mom finally found a pain specialist who helped her after many years of searching.

[MedicalMess]

That picture makes her look like she's getting a cattle prod up the butt.

[John O]

That picture makes her look like she's getting a cattle prod up the butt.

She's a democrat from San Franscisco right? You may have the correct cause identified. (who knows what goes on in SF these days)

God Save America (Please)

[js1138]

I understand Iraq imports a lot of Botox for its plastic surgery program.