Cheap, counterfeit Botox given by people not trained to do facial injections, in places without a doctor on standby, became a dangerous combination that landed more than a dozen women in the hospital.

In at least one case, a woman became so ill that she had to be placed on a ventilator to help her breathe.

Seventeen women in nine states have experienced symptoms ranging from blurry vision to trouble swallowing and breathing after receiving what they thought were Botox injections to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Thirteen were hospitalized, and several needed treatment in the intensive care unit.