How to use Botox Medicine

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 stiffness/spasms, and wrinkles. When used to prevent migraines, it is injected into the muscles of the head and neck. It is injected into the skin (intradermally) 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.

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. For children, the dose 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.

Precautions

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 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 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.

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 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 pharmacist or physician.

Side Effects

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.