There are different types of botulinum toxin products
(toxin A and B) with different uses (eye problems, muscle stiffness/spasms,
migraines, cosmetic, overactive bladder). Different brands of this
medication deliver different amounts of medication. Your doctor will choose
the correct product for you.
Botulinum toxin is used to treat certain eye disorders
such as crossed eyes (strabismus) and uncontrolled blinking
(blepharospasm), to treat muscle stiffness/spasms or movement disorders
(such as cervical dystonia, torticollis), and to reduce the cosmetic
appearance of wrinkles or vertical neck bands connecting the jaw and neck
(platysma bands). It is also used to prevent headaches in people with very
frequent migraines. Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle by blocking the release
of a chemical called acetylcholine.
Botulinum toxin is also used to treat overactive bladder
by patients who do not respond to or who cannot tolerate the side effects
of other medications. It helps to reduce leaking of urine, feeling of
needing to urinate right away, and frequent trips to the
bathroom.
It is also used to treat severe underarm sweating and
drooling/excess saliva. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the chemicals
that turn on the sweat and salivary glands.
Botulinum toxin is not a cure, and your symptoms will
gradually return as the medication wears off.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get an injection. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection by an experienced
health care professional. It is injected into the affected muscles when
treating eye disorders, muscle stiffness/spasms, platysma bands, and
wrinkles. When used to prevent migraines, it is injected into the muscles
of the head and neck. It is injected into the skin for the treatment of
excessive sweating. For the treatment of drooling/excess saliva, this
medication is injected into the salivary glands. When treating overactive
bladder, it is injected into the bladder.
The dosage, the number of injections, the site of
injections, and how often you receive the medication will be determined by
your condition and your response to treatment. Children's dosage is also
based on weight. Most people start to see an effect within a few days to 2
weeks, and the effect usually lasts 3 to 6 months.
See also Warning section.
Because this medication is given at the site of your
condition, most of the side effects occur close to where the medication is
injected. Redness, bruising, infection, and pain at the injection site may
occur.
Dizziness, mild difficulty swallowing, respiratory
infections such as cold or flu, pain, nausea, headache, and muscle weakness
may occur when this medication is used to relax muscles. Double vision,
drooping or swollen eyelid, eye irritation, dry eyes, tearing, reduced
blinking, and increased sensitivity to light may also
occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may require protective eye
drops/ointments, an eye patch, or other treatment.
When this medication is used to prevent migraines, side
effects such as headache, neck pain, and drooping eyelid may
occur.
When this medication is used for excessive sweating,
side effects such as non-underarm sweating, respiratory infections such as
cold or flu, headache, fever, neck or back pain, and anxiety may
occur.
When this medication is used for overactive bladder,
side effects such as urinary tract infections, burning/painful urination,
fever, or difficulty urinating may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- rash
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as cow's milk protein
found in some products), which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of:
- bleeding problems
- eye surgery
- certain eye problem (glaucoma)
- heart disease
- diabetes
- signs of swelling/weakness/infection near the injection
site
- urinary tract infection
- inability to urinate
- muscle/nerve disorders (such as Lou Gehrig's disease-ALS,
myasthenia gravis)
- seizures
- trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema,
aspiration-type pneumonia)
- treatment with any botulinum toxin product (especially in the
last 4 months)
This drug may make cause muscle weakness, droopy
eyelids, or blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything
that needs alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform
such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Some brands of this medication contain albumin made from
human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication
goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small
chance that you may get serious infections from the medication. Consult
your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Older adults using this drug for overactive bladder may
be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially urinary
effects.
Children using this drug for muscle spasms may be more
sensitive to the side effects of this drug, including difficulty breathing
or swallowing. See also Warning section. Discuss the risks and benefits
with the doctor.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- certain antibiotics (including aminoglycosides such as
gentamicin, polymyxin)
- anticoagulants (such as warfarin)
- Alzheimer's disease drugs (such as galantamine, rivastigmine,
tacrine)
- myasthenia gravis drugs (such as ambenonium,
pyridostigmine)
- quinidine
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. An antitoxin is available but must be
used before symptoms of overdose become apparent. Symptoms of overdose may
be delayed, and may include serious muscle weakness, breathing problems and
paralysis.
It is important to understand the risks and benefits of
this therapy. Discuss any questions or concerns with your health care
professional.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
