5 medical professionals in Arizona warned of counterfeit botox

Federal drug regulators said that five Arizona doctors and nurse practitioners are among more than 350 practices nationwide that may have received a Canadian drug supplier’s shipment of unapproved Botox that could be counterfeit or unsafe.   The Food and Drug Administration said that medical practices should stop using the wrinkle-busting treatment shipped by suppliers owned by Canada Drugs. The FDA said the shipments were unapproved, so the federal agency cannot verify whether the Botox is safe and effective.

The FDA said that Arizona doctors or nurses who may have received the unapproved shipments are Lynne Pirie of Care Free Cosmetic Surgery in Phoenix; Kevin Lewis of Tucson; John Pierce of Scottsdale; Jody Reiser of Phoenix; and Sindy Sheldon of Glendale.

Pierce said Thursday he was unaware of the FDA’s inquiry before being contacted by The Republic.

“We only buy from reputable suppliers,” Pierce said. “This could have been someone we ordered one bottle from when we were unable to order from our usual sources. We have had no adverse reactions to Botox.”

Lewis and Reiser did not return messages on Thursday. Pirie and Sheldon could not be reached.

Read the full article at http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/20121227five-medical-professionals-arizona-warned-counterfeit-botox.html?nclick_check=1

Source:  By Ken Alltucker for The Republic December 27, 2012 at http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/20121227five-medical-professionals-arizona-warned-counterfeit-botox.html?nclick_check=1