Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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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...

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IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

BOTULINUM TOXIN - INJECTION

(BOTT-you-lie-num)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Botox, Botox Cosmetic

WARNING: See also Uses section.

This medication can spread to other parts of the body after your injection, causing serious (possibly fatal) side effects. These can occur hours or even weeks after the injection. However, the chances of such serious side effects occurring when this medication is used for skin conditions such as wrinkles, eye spasm, or excessive sweating are extremely unlikely.

Children being treated for muscle spasms have the greatest risk of these effects, as well as anyone that has certain medical conditions (see Precautions section). Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, severe difficulty swallowing or speaking, loss of bladder control.

USES: There are different types of botulinum toxin products (toxin A and B) with different uses (eye problems, muscle spasms, cosmetic). 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 spasms or movement disorders (such as cervical dystonia, torticollis), and to reduce the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine.

It is also used to treat severe underarm sweating. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the chemicals that turn on the sweat glands.

Botulinum toxin is not a cure, and your symptoms will gradually return as the medication wears off.

HOW TO USE: 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 regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection by an experienced health care professional. It is injected into the affected muscles (intramuscularly) when treating eye disorders, muscle spasms and wrinkles. It is injected into the skin (intradermally) for the treatment of excessive sweating.

Your dose, 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 therapy. Most people start to see an effect within a few days to 2 weeks, and the effect usually lasts 3 to 6 months.