|
This medication is used to treat certain eye disorders such as crossed eyes (strabismus) and uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), to treat certain muscle spasms or movement disorders (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.
|
|
| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
|
Botox IM
Uses
This medication is used to treat certain eye disorders such as crossed eyes (strabismus) and uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), to treat certain muscle spasms or movement disorders (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.
Notes
- It is important to understand the risks and benefits of this therapy.
- Discuss any questions or concerns with your health care professional.
Storage
- This medication must be stored properly.
- Store unopened vials of this medication in a refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- The diluted solution should be refrigerated at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) and used within 4 hours once it has been prepared.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Overdose
- An antitoxin is available but must be used before symptoms of overdose become apparent.
- Symptoms of overdose may be delayed, and may include serious muscle weakness, breathing problems and paralysis.
How To Use
- 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.
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, 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.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.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 the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.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.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, rash, severe dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies, bleeding problems, heart disease, signs of infection near the injection site, muscle/nerve disorders such as Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), myasthenia gravis, seizures.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
Missed Dose
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, polymyxin), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), Alzheimer's disease drugs (e.g., donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine), myasthenia gravis drugs (e.g., ambenonium, pyridostigmine), quinidine.
|
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
|
.gif)
Large Text