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June 2025: Massachusetts sees botulism cases linked to cosmetic injections at a South Shore med spa
A graphic offering advice on how to choose Botox providers (Source: CDC)
On June 7, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health warned the public about a growing cluster of botulism cases linked to cosmetic botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as “Botox”) injections administered at Rodrigo Beauty, located in Milton, Massachusetts. At that time, ten cases of suspected botulism were under investigation, all associated with Rodrigo Beauty.
In December 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts announced that the spa's owner, Rodrigo de Medeiros Siqueira, had agreed to plead guilty to misbranding of a drug with the intent to defraud or mislead. According to the office's press release, Medeiros Siqueira falsely told clients that he licensed to perform injections, and lied about the contents and source of the botulinum toxin products he was using.
Authorities are asking anyone who received unapproved cosmetic injections from Medeiros Siqueira or Rodrigo Beauty to fill out a victim witness questionnaire on the FDA's website.
April 2024: U.S. officials warn about botulism-like illness linked to counterfeit Botox
The FDA released images of the fake Botox causing illness and hospitalizations across the country.
According to officials in Illinois and Tennessee, six people developed a botulism-like illness and four of them were hospitalized after receiving cosmetic injections in what the CDC has characterized as “non-medical settings.” Investigators have examined cases in 11 states and excluded reports in Washington and Nebraska from the outbreak. As of May 8, 2024, a total of 15 people from 9 states have reported harmful reactions after receiving injections.
Patients presented with classic signs of botulism, which include blurry or double vision, droopy eyelids, difficulty breathing, fatigue, slurred speech and hoarse voice. The disease can progress to total paralysis, and can be fatal.
More Information:
- Counterfeit version of Botox found in multiple states, FDA, April 16, 2024 - identifies the counterfeit product, posting photos and a list of distinguishing features
- Harmful reactions linked to counterfeit “Botox” or mishandled Botulinum Toxin injections, CDC, April 15, 2024 - tracks the scope of the outbreak
- "I got fake Botox at an unlicensed med spa—and it could have cost me my life," Glamour Magazine, May 13, 2024 - Victim account
What's it like to be poisoned by fake Botox?
Source: Glamour Magazine, May 13, 2024
States investigating the April 2025 outbreak of fake Botox
Let PSM catch you up about fake cosmetic injections
Recent prosecutions
USA v. Rodrigo de Medeiros Siqueira:
USA v. Melissa Bandy:
Information | Affidavit for search warrant
USA v. Flor Cham:
Information | Complaint | Plea Agreement
USA v. Lindsay Marie Clark:
USA v. Tien Tan Vo:
Fake Botox and fillers can cause pain, disfigurement, and even death
Resources
Counterfeit Botox and other fake cosmetic injections have a significant history in the U.S.
In the news
- District of Massachusetts | Med spa owner agrees to plead guilty to performing illegal injections using unapproved prescription drugs | United States Department of JusticeDecember 12, 2025
- Notes from the field: Severe illnesses after self-injection of botulinum toxin purchased online — New York, Texas, and Wisconsin, 2025 | MMWRNovember 27, 2025
- Stunning influencer left 'deformed' after clinic injected mineral oil and laxatives into her face | Daily Mail OnlineNovember 24, 2025
- DIY Botox Is as Sketchy as It Sounds - The Kitundated
- Cindyana Santangelo death: Libby Adame found guilty of murder in fatal silicone injection of 'Married With Children' actress - ABC7 Los AngelesOctober 10, 2025
