Neurotoxin BTX “Death” in Singapore. Can BTX Really Kill?

What is BTX (Neurotoxin)?

BTX is a popular brand of neurotoxin in Singapore used by medical professionals to improve wrinkles and treat certain muscular conditions.

BTX stands for Botulinum Toxin. Due to google copyright regulations, we have to use the shortform BTX in this article.

BTX or Neurotoxins are produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and many brands exist in the market such as Dysport and Xeomin.

Numerous test tubes

How does BTX Neurotoxin work?

When BTX is injected, it blocks certain nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction. This leads to relaxation of muscles which reduces the appearance of unwanted wrinkles.

The effect of BTX lasts 3–6 months.

Over time, the muscles will gradually regain movement causing wrinkles to re-appear.

BTX Neurotoxin risks

BTX injections are safe when performed by an experienced doctor.

Possible mild side effects and complications include:

  • Pain, swelling or bruising at the site of injection
  • Headache (Forehead BTX)
  • Droopy eyelid or “spock” eyebrows (Forehead BTX)
  • Crooked smile or drooling (Jaw BTX)
  • Eye dryness (Crow’s Feet BTX)

Potential life-threatening complications are very rare and related to high doses of BTX injections used to treat medical conditions such as cerebral palsy and cervical dystonia.

These severe side effects may manifest as:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision problems
  • Trouble speaking or swallowing
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Loss of bladder control

Studies have reported the toxic dose for severe side effects to be more than 6 BTX Units per Kg.

Taking an average adult female to weigh 50kg, this translates to 300 units of BTX. It is extremely unlikely that a patient will require close to 300 units of BTX for Aesthetic treatments.

BTX Death Case in Singapore - Update

In 2019, it was reported in the news that a lady passed away after receiving BTX in a medical clinic.

After investigation, it was reported on 11th October 2022 that in fact, she suffered a cardiac arrest after injection of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and not BTX.

Quoted in the news "EDTA is a common ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. It acts as a chelator or binding agent that suppresses chemical activity."

Link to news article here

Summary

In the hands of an experienced doctor, BTX injections are safe and effective.

Severe side effects are extremely rare and are associated with high doses of BTX.

Quote of the day

“All things are poisons and there is nothing that is harmless, the dose alone decides that something is not poison” -Paracelsus (1493–1541).

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