Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 25, 2012

Botox

Dystonia »

What are the dystonias?

The dystonias are movement disorders in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle; a group of muscles such as those in the arms, legs, or neck; or the entire body. Those with dystonia usually have normal intelligence and no associated psychiatric disorders.

What are the symptoms of dystonias?

Dystonia can affect many different parts of the body. Early symptoms may include a deterioration in handwriting after writing several lines, foot cramps, and/or a tendency of one foot to pull up or drag; this may occur "out of the blue" or may occur after running or walking some distance. The neck may turn or pull involuntarily, especially when the patient is tired or stressed. Sometimes both eyes will blink rapidly and uncontrollably, rendering a person functionally blind. Other po...

Read the Dystonia article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Botox User Reviews >>

Botox

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

Botox Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: 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 persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may require protective eye drops/ointments, an eye patch, or other treatment.

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.

If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies, bleeding problems, eye surgery, certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart disease, signs of infection near the injection site, muscle/nerve disorders such as Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) or myasthenia gravis, seizures, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), pneumonia (aspiration-type).

This drug may make cause muscle weakness, droopy eyelids, or blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires 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 that you are using this medication.

Caution is advised if using this drug in children for muscle spasms, because they may be more sensitive to its possible side effects (such as difficulty breathing or swallowing). See 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. Use for the cosmetic treatment of wrinkles is not recommended during pregnancy.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding