Montenegro health alert after illegal botox injections cause botulism

An investigation has been launched in Montenegro following the hospitalization of several women who developed botulism after receiving aesthetic injections. The patients were treated at the KCCG Infectious Diseases Clinic after being administered Dysport, a product containing botulinum toxin type A, which was reportedly obtained through illegal channels.

The Montenegrin Medical Chamber stated that the practitioner, an individual identified as J.K., did not hold a valid license to practice medicine in Montenegro, despite having a recognized diploma. The Chamber noted that she had been performing such activities illegally for at least three years.

CInMED, the Montenegrin Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, warned the public about the severe risks of using medications sourced outside of legal supply chains. The agency highlighted that biological products like Dysport require a strict “cold chain” for temperature-controlled transport to ensure safety and efficacy. CInMED noted that counterfeit versions of Dysport have been identified in various countries, including the UK, Poland, and Norway. Authorities are currently working to identify the specific batch of the medication used and determine its origin.