Nurses and pharmacists endangering patients by supplying illegal Botox

London, UKHealth

A BBC undercover investigation has revealed that nurses and pharmacists are compromising patient safety by providing Botox without proper medical checks. The investigation uncovered nurses trading prescriptions via WhatsApp and pharmacists coaching clients to falsify medical records. Medical regulations require in-person consultations to determine Botox's suitability, but many professionals are sidestepping these rules, raising the risk of severe complications, including drooping eyelids and respiratory failure. The pharmacists' regulator expressed serious concern over these practices, while the nurses' regulator announced plans to review the evidence collected. Botox, a prescription-only medication, is part of a rapidly growing aesthetics market, expected to expand from £115 million in 2024 to nearly £295 million by 2031.

The investigation highlights the alarming trend of medical professionals ignoring established safety protocols. Cheryl Barton, a lead nurse, emphasized the importance of face-to-face consultations to identify potential health risks. The widespread disregard for regulations could lead to dangerous consequences for patients seeking Botox treatments.

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