Type of medication: Rx,
doctor-administered, preventive
Botulinum toxin type A is a toxin produced by the bacteria that causes
botulism. Botulinum toxin type A affects the nerves. When injected into a
muscle, it produces a reduction in the activity of the muscle. Botulinum
toxin type A is used to reduce abnormal head position and neck pain in
patients with cervical dystonia (spasms of the neck muscles). Botulinum
toxin type A is also used in the treatment of strabismus (a condition in
which the eyes do not point in the same direction) and spasms of the
eyelids or uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm). Botulinum toxin type A
is used cosmetically for the temporary improvement in the appearance of
some facial wrinkles. It is also being used as a Migraine preventive.
Precautions:
- Do not use botulinum toxin type A
without first talking to your doctor if you have
- a neuromuscular disorder such as
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton
syndrome, and others
- an infection at the intended site of
injection
Pregnancy and
Breastfeeding:
- FDA pregnancy category C. This means
that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not use botulinum toxin type A without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether botulinum
toxin type A passes into breast milk. Do not use botulinum toxin type A
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Other medical
conditions:
Do not use botulinum toxin type A without first talking to your doctor if
you have
- a neuromuscular disorder such as
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton
syndrome, and others
- an infection at the intended site of
injection.
Other
medications:
Botulinum toxin type A should not be used with other forms of botulinum
toxin or other medications that affect the nerves or muscles, except
under the direction of a doctor.
Potential side
effects:
- Seek emergency medical attention or
contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following
serious side effects:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives)
- difficulty breathing, talking, or
swallowing
- unusual or excessive muscle weakness
- chest pain or irregular heartbeats
- eye infection, ulceration, double
vision, or other eye problems..
- Other less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:
- headache
- dizziness or drowsiness
- soreness at the injection site
- nausea
- eye tearing or irritation
- eyelid swelling
Brand Names:
More Information:
-
Poison Your Migraine?
When many people hear the words Botulinum Toxin, the first thing they
think of is botulism, an often fatal form of food poisoning. Botulism is
caused by some strains of Clostridium botulinum, bacteria that is
generally found in badly canned foods. In recent years, however,
scientists have discovered that a certain strain of Clostridium
botulinum can safely be used as a drug to prevent migraine attacks.
- From Dr. Lawrence Robbins:
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