Pharmaceutical Services are on high alert regarding the illegal administration of injectables and the holding of Botox parties in private homes, following the hospitalization of a 20-year-old woman after an allergic reaction to Botox injected into her lips at a private residence.
Speaking on the Alpha News program, the Director of the Pharmaceutical Services, Elena Panagiotopoulou, sounded the alarm about the serious risks posed by the use of unapproved products and the performance of medical procedures in unsuitable settings.
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Ms. Panagiotopoulou points out that injectable formulations (such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin cocktails) must be administered only by authorized physicians at properly accredited medical centers.
A typical example of the risks is the case of a 20-year-old woman who suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving Botox injections in her lips during a “girls’ party” at a private residence, resulting in her being rushed to the hospital.
When illegal or counterfeit products are used, the competent authorities are unaware of the batches that were imported, making it impossible to recall them in the event of an allergic reaction or other complications.
In 2026, authorized inspectors conducted 21 on-site investigations at commercial premises (beauty salons, gyms, hair salons), as well as at medical facilities. In 9 of the 21 cases, illegal pharmaceutical products were identified and seized, and the cases were referred to the courts.
Nine investigations were conducted into illegal advertising and sales via the internet and social media, which led to criminal complaints and the takedown of websites in collaboration with the Cybercrime Division.
Ms. Panagiotopoulou also notes that searches of private residences are particularly complex, as they require a court warrant and police assistance. At the same time, 13 written statements were taken as part of independent police operations.
The Pharmaceutical Services urge the public to be particularly vigilant and to report suspicious incidents or locations where illegal treatments are being administered to the dedicated hotline at 22608625.
