THE IRISH MEDICAL Council has issued a warning on the dangers of the misuse of botox or administration by unqualified people – which it said can put patients in “serious risk of harm”.

It said that improperly administered botox can cause infection, paralysis or life-threatening complications.

Outside of its health uses, botulinum toxin, or botox, is commonly used for aesthetic purposes.

Common facial aesthetic options include botox injections to the upper face to reduce wrinkles, lip fillers to give volume to lips, and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles to the lower face.

Last year a RTÉ Prime Time investigation found that illegal botox is being administered by unqualified people, and that prescription medicines were being transported into the country from the North.

The Council issued a statement reminding all registered doctors of their “professional and legal responsibilities” when prescribing and administering botox.

It said: “The sale, supply, or administration of botulinum toxin by unqualified or unregistered individuals is illegal, unsafe and unacceptable. Patients receiving these treatments outside regulated clinical environments face unnecessary and preventable risks.”

It said patient safety must always take precedence when making decisions relating to botox treatment.

“Prescribing or administering botulinum toxin for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes is a clinical decision that must be made responsibly, in line with professional standards, national legislation and within the limits of the doctor’s competence,” it added.

The administration of botox is governed by Irish law, which currently only permits administration by a registered doctor, a registered dentist, or others, such as a registered nurse, acting ‘in accordance with the directions” of a doctor or dentist.

Previously leading dentist Dr Mairead Browne also warned of an increase in corrective work being required due to complications arising from botox treatments carried out by non-medically trained persons.

Speaking to The Journal, Browne urged anyone who is interested in facial aesthetics to attend to someone who is sufficiently qualified.

“From a patient perspective, ask someone what their qualifications are, and what is the product they’re using,” said Browne, who added that the products have to be stored and transported in a certain way to maintain its efficacy.

Browne said that if someone were to have a complication or an adverse effect when attending to a licensed profession, they would be able to contact the pharmaceutical company directly and have a complete traceability of that product.

Meanwhile, Browne also issued a warning about the increase in dermal fillers being carried out by people who have taken a “one day course”.