Deadly Beauty: Case of Laser Hair Removal

I've found a deadly case of hair removal. The topic of brian injury was thrust upon me this year as it hit close to home. I provide only brief info on what the case entails. There are some (Curezone members) who are considering laser treatments. It's important that these cases come to the forefront and become part of Education whenever searching about issues about our health.

Topic: Laser Hair Removal/Treatments.//Compounding Preparation (Pharmacological)

On Dec.28.04, 22year old college student Shiri Berg went to Premier Body Laser in Raleigh N.C. for laser hair removal. She bought a gel from the clinic that she was to apply for her treatment the next day. Pain of the procedure was one of her concerns. At home she covered herself with the numbing gel. On her way to the clinic, in her car, she had a seizure, lapsed into a coma, died 5 days later. An autopsy revealed lethal brain damage from an overdose of Lidocaine. Officially it was anoxic brian injury to due Lidocaine toxicity.

Another report I found: stated that in addition to the gel she wrapped her legs with cellophane.

She received no written patient information pertaining to the gel- method of application, procedure...etc. The gel was a prescription compound: 10% Lidocaine, 10%Tetracaine (serious anasthetic). Still, another report stated that it contained an unknown amount of phenylephrine.

N.C. forbids resale of compounded formulations regardless of the health practioner, licensed physician, pharmacy physcian assistance or nurse practioner. However, licensed physicians/health practioners can obtain compounded preparation o administer in their offices to patients.

The 2 physicains did not have a license to administer the product which they sold Berg. Dr. Ira Uretsky and Dr. Samuel H. Wurster were charged with unprofessional conduct. The clinic is closed.

You can read more on compounding here:

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/article_news.asp?CID=167&DID=2024&id=9756