Botox review underway, Health Canada says

Health Canada will review Botox and Botox Cosmetic, following reports that the toxin can spread through the body.

The agency issued an advisory on Wednesday, saying its ongoing review will include how Botox is used in adults and children. It will also determine whether additional precautionary measures are required.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in early February that it is reviewing Botox after receiving reports of respiratory muscle paralysis and difficulty swallowing after the toxin migrated in patients' bodies, as well as deaths among child patients who had been given Botox to treat cerebral palsy.

Cases of distant toxin spread related to Botox or Botox Cosmetic have not been reported in Canada, according the agency.

Botox is authorized in Canada for non-cosmetic purposes to treat spasticity in muscles, muscle stiffness and to decrease muscular responsiveness. It is best known for its cosmetic uses, such as its ability to counter the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.

Health Canada warned physicians and consumers that "botulinum health products should only be administered at the recommended doses, for authorized indications, by qualified health-care professionals."