Medical Council publishes statement on Botox
Thursday, 13th November 2025: The Medical Council has today published a statement highlighting doctors’ professional and legal responsibilities when prescribing and administering botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox.
The Medical Council states that doctors who prescribe or administer botulinum toxin products must comply with the law, the Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (9th Edition, 2024), and relevant clinical guidelines. However, these are not exhaustive, and doctors remain responsible for ensuring that their provision of Botox treatment is consistent with accepted standards of best practice.
Dr Maria O’Kane, CEO of the Medical Council said, “As the regulator of doctors, in the interest of patient safety, today we are clarifying our position for doctors and patients on the safe use of Botox in clinical settings.
“Medicines that contain botulinum toxin are prescription-only medicines. It is illegal to supply these without a prescription. Under EU law, doctors established in other EU countries may lawfully prescribe certain medicines, such as botulinum toxin, to patients in Ireland. However, under Irish law, only registered doctors, registered dentists, or registered nurses acting in accordance with the directions of a doctor or dentist, are permitted to administer Botox in Ireland.”
“Patient safety is paramount, and doctors must not delegate the administration of Botox to a registered nurse unless they are satisfied that the nurse has the necessary knowledge, skills and competence. The Medical Council actively works with its stakeholders, including the Dental Council, HPRA and NMBI on a collaborative approach to key issues to ensure patient safety remains a priority.
“We look forward to continuing constructive engagement with our stakeholders, including doctors and patients, to support them as further developments arise.”
Fiona McVeigh, Head of Regulatory Policy, Medical Council said, “It is important to remember that the sale, supply, or administration of botulinum toxin by unqualified or unregistered individuals is illegal, unsafe, and unacceptable. Patients receiving these treatments outside regulated clinical environments face unnecessary and preventable risks.
“As well as referring to our guidance, we strongly recommend that patients and members of the public check the Medical Council’s register to ensure their doctor is registered.
“Checking the register is a quick and easy way to ensure that a doctor is registered to practise medicine in Ireland and can be done so on the Medical Council website, www.medicalcouncil.ie. Patients can search by a doctor’s name or registration number, which is available from the doctor, on letters from a doctor, referrals and on prescriptions. It may also be available on hospital staff listings or clinic websites.”
The Medical Council’s statement on Botox serves as a foundation for the responsible use of Botox in clinical practice. It should be read in conjunction with the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners (9th Edition, 2024) and considered in conjunction with other professional regulatory guidance and law.