BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX)

The injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, has become very popular for reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the aging face. The effects are only temporary, but the injections can be done quickly, require no recovery time, and are not as complicated as many other cosmetic procedures for the face.

Uses

Botulinum toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When a small amount of Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract. The effect is that it temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles and smooths or eliminates wrinkles in the skin for a few months.

Botulinum toxin is also approved by the FDA to treat a wide range of problems, such as chronic migraine headaches, eye muscle disorders, and muscle stiffness.

Warnings

Very serious problems can happen if the botulinum toxin spreads from where it was injected. It may cause dangerous swallowing and breathing problems. These problems can happen hours to weeks after the injection and can cause death. The risk is greatest in children who are being treated for muscle spasticity in their necks. But adults who already have swallowing or breathing problems are also at risk for problems from a Botox injection.

Side effects

The most common side effects are:

Drooping eyelid that may last a short time
Headache
Bruising

Other side effects include flu-like symptoms, nausea, temporary facial pain, redness at the injection site, reduced blinking, and weakness in the muscles of the face. In extreme cases, this muscle weakness can limit your facial expressions. A sore may develop on the white of the eye (corneal ulceration) in rare cases.

Precautions

Precautions

This injection is not recommended to use by pregnant women. Consult your health care professional for more details.

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:

bleeding problems
eye surgery
certain eye problem (glaucoma)
heart disease
signs of infection near the injection site
urinary tract infection
inability to urinate
muscle/nerve disorders such as Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) or 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).

Interactions:

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. 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 (e.g., aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, polymyxin)
anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
Alzheimer’s disease drugs (e.g., galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine)
myasthenia gravis drugs (e.g., ambenonium, pyridostigmine)
quinidine

Overdose & Brands

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency hotline

Available brands:

Botox