Botox (Botulinum Toxin)

Botox is Allergan India Pvt Ltd's botulinum toxin injection. Botulinum toxin is a purified protein from Clostridium botulinum that temporarily relaxes muscles when injected, sold as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin.

Botulinum toxin type A is injected to smooth frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines. Medically it is used for chronic migraine, excessive sweating, cervical dystonia, muscle spasticity, blepharospasm and overactive bladder.

The toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the junction between nerve and muscle, so the injected muscle cannot contract. The effect starts in two to seven days, peaks at about two weeks and wears off in three to four months as nerve endings regrow.

It is injected into the targeted muscles by a trained doctor, with the dose and number of sites decided by the area treated and the product used. Units differ between brands and are not interchangeable. It is kept refrigerated and mixed with saline just before use. Follow the prescriber and the pack leaflet.

• Pain, bruising or swelling at the injection site.
• Headache and flu-like symptoms.
• Drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow if the toxin spreads to nearby muscles.
• Dry eye, weakness of nearby muscles and an uneven result.
• Rarely, trouble swallowing or breathing from spread of the toxin, which needs urgent care.

It is not for people with an infection at the injection site, a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, allergy to the product, or pregnancy and breastfeeding. Medicines such as aminoglycoside antibiotics can strengthen the effect. It should be given only by trained professionals, and repeating doses too close together increases the risk of antibodies that make it stop working.