Botox (botulinum Toxin Type A)

Company: Allergan

Usage: Instruction

Description Botox (botulinum Toxin Type A)

Botox is a toxin produced by bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. This toxin temporarily paralyzes hyperactive muscles and is widely used in cosmetics to fight wrinkles. Thus it can also reduce back pain, relax muscle spasms and so on. However, only competent medical personnel can do this treatment.

The spores of Clostridium botulinum are relatively inoffensive, you can find them everywhere. But they become dangerous when under favourable conditions they transform into growing cells. So, in case of overpopulation the cells start to die releasing a deadly neurotoxin, which causes botulism. As a result, if you leave it without treatment it can lead to respiratory failure and death.

First of all we have to remind you that Botulinum toxin belongs to the most dangerous poisons which paralyze nervous system by disrupting neuron signaling. Only one gram of this toxin is enough to kill one million people. Therefore it is a rather dangerous substance, but in low concentrations it can be a useful drug.

How does Botox work?

The toxin is injected in small concentrations. In place of injection it disrupts signaling from neuron to muscle, thus paralyzing it. The affected muscles become relaxed and less rigid – this is how Botox smoothes out the wrinkles.

Botox usage

Dilute the powder of Botulinum toxin is in a sodium chloride solution and inject it directly into target area. It takes about 24-72 hours to make effect.

To make the optimal effect use Botox 100IU injections every 6-9 months from the first treatment. We have to remind you, that only professional medical personnel knows how much and where to inject it.

Botox Storage

You can store Botox vials at room temperature, but after opening keep them in a fridge.

Precautions

Pregnant or lactating women should avoid usage of Botulinum toxin, as well as those who have allergy to this substance.

Approved therapeutic uses of Botox

Spasm of the eyelids, severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms, chronic migraine, severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), crossed eyes, post-stroke upper limb spasticity, detrusor overactivity urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, hemifacial spasm, glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), canthal lines, and finally crow’s feet lines.

Off-label uses of Botox:

Achalasia, anal fissure and anismus, sialorrhea, allergic rhinitis, sphincter of oddi dysfunction, cerebral palsy, oromandibular dystonias, laryngeal dystonia.

Botox side effects

Usually botulinum toxin is well tolerated. Yet rare side-effects may occur due to genetic predisposition, as a rule they are mild and temporary. Among them: mild pain and local edema erythema, temporary numbness, headache, malaise, nausea, transient weakness of nearby muscles, transient upper lid or brow ptosis, weakness of the lower eyelid or lateral rectus, dysphagia, neck weakness, Influenza-like illness, brachial plexopathy, gallbladder dysfunction, diplopi, bleeding, blurred vision, drooping of the eyelids, decreased eyesight, dry mouth, fatigue, hives, rashes, wheezing, swelling.