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Q.
How
does BOTOX® work?
A.
Normally your
brain sends electrical messages to your muscles so that they can contract
and move. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscle by a
substance called acetylcholine. BOTOX® works to block the release of
acetylcholine and, as a result, the muscle doesn't receive the message to
contract. This means that the muscle spasms stop or are greatly reduced
after using BOTOX®, providing predictable and reliable relief from
symptoms.
BOTOX® is not a
cure. For many patients, however, its effects have been dramatic -
symptoms usually begin to dissipate within a few days and the effects can
last for approximately 3-6 months.
Q.
How
is Botox administered?
A.
BOTOX® is
injected into the muscle. Your doctor will determine the muscle(s) in need
of treatment.
Q.
Does
the treatment hurt?
A.
A very fine needle
is used for the injections that are given.
Some patients report minor and temporary discomfort from treatment.
Q.
When
does Botox start to work?
A.
Usually, you will begin the effects of BOTOX® within three days. The maximum benefit is
reached in two weeks.
Q.
How
long does the effect last?
A.
Given its unique
mechanism of action, BOTOX® offers sustained relief, dose after dose over
the course of long-term treatment. The relief you will feel from a single
treatment of BOTOX® will normally be sustained for approximately 3-6
months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects. At this point you
may return to your doctor for your next treatment.
Symptoms may vary throughout the course of the condition, and so the
degree of relief and duration of effect varies from person to person.
Q.
How
long can Botox Treatment be continued?
A.
Treatment with BOTOX® can typically be repeated indefinitely. BOTOX® has been used for
over 10 years worldwide. Acceptable safety in long-term treatment has been
well established.
There are a number of factors that can impact the long-term usage of
BOTOX®. These include:
- Setting appropriate expectations -
Changes occurring with
subsequent BOTOX® injections may be less dramatic than the first
injection.
- Appropriate muscle selection -
Identifying and injecting the
affected muscle can be difficult, complicated by the changing pattern of
muscle involvement and progression of the disorder.
- Adequate dosing -
Changes in response may require dose
adjustment.
- Minimizing exposure to neurotoxin complex proteins¹ -
Botulinum
toxins contain proteins. In certain circumstances, when foreign proteins
enter the body, the natural response is to form antibodies to the
protein. When antibodies are formed, the effect may be that one is no
longer able to respond to the therapy. High doses and frequent
injections of botulinum toxin have been linked to the formation of
antibodies. ²,³ Antibody formation with BOTOX® is rare. The
likelihood of forming antibodies is reduced by having treatment no more
frequently than about every three months. BOTOX® has approximately 5 ng
of neurotoxin complex proteins per 100 unit vial, a relatively low
amount of protein, which may help to further minimize the potential to
form antibodies.
Q.
Is
it a new treatment?
A.
No. BOTOX® has
been used for over 10 years in thousands of patients worldwide. The
American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and
National Institutes of Health have recognized BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin
Type A) as a valuable treatment.
Q.
Is
it right for me?
A.
Ask your doctor if BOTOX® is the right treatment for you. BOTOX® should not be used during
pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if you are taking certain medications.
Only your physician can determine the best course of therapy.
The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain
antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.
Ensure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are
taking. If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX® treatment,
please consult your doctor.
Q.
What
side effects may be experienced?
A.
All medications
have some side effects. With BOTOX®, side effects are usually transient
and mild to moderate in nature. Some people notice temporary weakness of
muscles or discomfort at the injection site. Based on a recent study of
BOTOX® in the treatment of blepharospasm (n=98), drooping of the eyelid
occurred in 20.8% of patients. Other side effects may include eye
irritation/dry eye/tearing/light sensitivity (10%), and superficial
punctate keratitis.³
References:
1. Scott AB.
Foreward. In: Jankovic J, Hallett M, eds. Therapy with Botulinum Toxin.
New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc; 1994:vii-ix.
2. Hatheway CL, Dang C. Immunogenicity of the Neurotoxins of Clostridium
botulinum in Jankovic J, Hallett M, eds. Therapy with Botulinum Toxin. New
York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc; 1994:93-107.
3. Data on file, Allergan, August, 1997.
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