BOTOX® Side Effects

As is the case with any drug, you should always look into potential side effects before you begin treatment. BOTOX®, which is the brand name for bitulinum toxin, was originally developed to treat muscle spasms associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis and has very few side effects.

It was discovered that BOTOX® could also be used to treat wrinkles on the face and neck when opthalmologists would inject BOTOX® into the muscles surrounding they eyes of patients suffering from facial spasms. One positive side effect of BOTOX® treatment that the doctors noticed was the noticeable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the treated area.

The most common side effect related to BOTOX® treatment is very slight bruising around the area of treatment. This bruising is the result of the manner in which BOTOX® is injected into the muscle groups that control the movement of the skin and cause wrinkles. These injections are carried out via a series of tiny needles. For those with very sensitive skin, or who are very prone to bruising, some bruising may occur. This doesn't usually present a problem, however, since this bruising is very minor, can be easily covered with make up, and fades soon after treatment.

Since BOTOX® works by relaxing the muscles of the treatment area, another potential side effect is that the BOTOX® spread to unintended areas causing temporary eyelid drooping or limited range of motion in other facial muscle groups. This only very rarely presents a problem that occurs with less than one percent of the population. The best way to ensure that this doesn't happen is to receive your BOTOX® treatments from a certified medical professional. This will guarantee that you will receive quality treatment, have all your questions answered, and be given all the appropriate and pertinent information regarding subsequent treatments and side effects.

Other uncommon short-term side effects that may be experienced include minor facial pain, redness of the skin in the area surrounding where the BOTOX® was injected, and weakness of the facial muscles. These side effects typically go away after one week.

If one is taking any other medications at the time of undergoing BOTOX® treatment it is best to check with your doctor of pharmacist regarding potential side effects resulting from the interaction of BOTOX® with these medications. As with any new treatment, you should always inform your doctor about what medications you are presently taking. With BOTOX®, this is especially the case with antibiotics, drugs that are used to treat heart rhythm complications, and other medications such as those used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

One should also be careful with over-the-counter medications as well. Just as with prescription medicines, you should inform your doctor about what non-prescription medicines you take on a regular basis and get a list from your pharmacist of the medications that may have an adverse reaction if taken in conjunction with BOTOX®.

For example, to reduce the incidence of bruising, patients about to undergo BOTOX® treatment should cease taking vitamin E, multivitamins, St. John's Wort, and any anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin. Of course, it is also crucial for patient safety that the doctor be advised of any potential allergies that the patient has.

In any case, since BOTOX® stays in the body for a maximum of six months, any side effects experienced while undergoing BOTOX® treatment will subside after this time period has elapsed.