Warning on risks of silicone injections

People and healthcare practitioners have been warned about the risks associated with silicone injections, which can lead to deformities and even death.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention warned on Saturday that silicone injections, which are falsely promoted as having been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, are being used to enhance the size and shape of buttocks, breasts and other parts of the body.

Those considering the injections should be aware of the risks, such as infection, eyelid drooping, nerve damage and muscle paralysis.

The ministry asked directors of the medical districts, public and private hospitals, doctors, pharmacists and assistant pharmacists, and directors of public and private pharmacies to ensure the safety of these products before using them.

The US administration has confirmed that it has significant concerns about silicone injections that are marketed for body sculpting by unauthorised people.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, an assistant undersecretary with the ministry, said hospitals had been receiving emergency cases with serious health complications caused by illegal medical practices.

He urged cosmetics researchers to refer patients to licensed centres, be aware of misleading advertisements that promote injections and to ignore adverts that are not licensed by the ministry.

Anyone who feels side effects is advised by the ministry to fill out the adverse drug reaction form available online at cpd-pharma.ae or call 04 2301448.