Botulinum Toxin Type A



Botox®; Botox® Cosmetic







Botulinum Toxin Type A

(BOT yoo lin num TOKS in type aye)

Buy BOTOX

U.S. Brand Names
Botox®; Botox® Cosmetic
Canadian Brand Names
Botox®; Botox® Cosmetic
Pharmacologic Category
Neuromuscular Blocker Agent, Toxin; Ophthalmic Agent, Toxin
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to botulinum toxin, albumin, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding problems, infection where the shot will be given, or nerve disease.
  • If you are taking a blood thinner.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to decrease lines and wrinkles of the face and neck.
  • This medicine is used to decrease underarm sweating.
  • This medicine is used to treat anal fissures.
  • This medicine is used to treat muscle problems around the eye area.
  • This medicine is used to treat muscle problems that lead to spasms.
  • This medicine is used to treat spasms of the head. It may take 2 weeks to see improvement.
How does it work?
  • Botulinum toxin A paralyzes the muscle getting the shot.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the muscle(s) causing the spasms.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Decreased blinking.
  • Double vision.
  • Dry eyes. Using artificial tears may help.
  • Eyelid droop.
  • Ulcers can rarely occur.
  • Bleeding in the eye can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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