Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive botulinum toxin type A (Botox)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to botulinum toxin, or if you have an infection, swelling, or muscle weakness in the area where the medicine will be injected.

You should not receive the Dysport brand of this medication if you are allergic to cow's milk.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or "Lou Gehrig's disease");
myasthenia gravis;
Lambert-Eaton syndrome; or
heart disease.

Botulinum toxin type A is made using human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether botulinum toxin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether botulinum toxin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is botulinum toxin type A given (Botox)?

Botulinum toxin type A is given as an injection into a muscle. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Botulinum toxin injections should be given only by a trained medical professional, even when used for cosmetic purposes.

Your botulinum toxin injection may be given into more than one area at a time, depending on the condition being treated.

While receiving botulinum toxin injections for an eye muscle conditions, you may need to use eye drops, ointment, a special contact lens or other device to protect the surface of your eye. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are being treated for excessive sweating, shave your underarms about 24 hours before you will receive your injection. Do not apply underarm antiperspirants or deodorants for 24 hours before you receive the injection. Avoid exercise and hot foods or beverages within 30 minutes before the injection.

It may take up to 2 weeks after injection before neck muscle spasm symptoms begin to improve. You may notice the greatest improvement at 6 weeks after injection.

It may take only 1 to 3 days after injection before eye muscle spasm symptoms begin to improve. You may notice the greatest improvement at 2 to 6 weeks after injection.

The effects of a botulinum toxin injection are temporary. Your symptoms may return completely within 3 months after an injection. After repeat injections, it may take less and less time before your symptoms return, especially if your body develops antibodies to the botulinum toxin.

Do not seek botulinum toxin injections from more than one medical professional at a time. If you switch healthcare providers, be sure to tell your new provider how long it has been since your last botulinum toxin injection.

Using this medication more often than prescribed will not make it more effective and may result in serious side effects.

Related Drug Centers