Tracy Davidson

Botox may ease wrinkles, but a $600 million government fine today of its manufacturer Allergan is making clear it’s not a legal remedy for headaches, pains and juvenile cerebral palsy.

The Justice Department today came down hard on Allergan for making such claims, announcing a settlement that has Allergan pleading guilty to one misdemeanor criminal count of promoting Botox for off-label use as well as civil charges. Of the $600 million, $375 million is a criminal fine and the rest is a civil settlement that will be split with some state attorneys general, who in 2008 had sued the company.