Botox is an injectable medicine containing botulinum toxins type A. This toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning, can have different effects depending upon the level and type of exposure. Botox is only administered in very small doses.
Botox is injected to block messages from your nerves and muscles. Botox stops targeted muscles from contracting which can help with pain and wrinkles. Continue reading for more information about Botox safety, uses and potential adverse effects.
Is Botox safe?
Botulinum Toxin is a poison that can cause death in high doses. However, Botox injections are safe because they contain lower levels.
Only 36 cases of adverse reactions to cosmetic use were reported between 1989 and 2003 to the US Food and Drug Administration. Treisteen cases could have been due to an underlying condition rather than the medication. Experts believe that cosmetic Botox injections pose less risk than therapeutic Botox because they are administered in lower doses.
According to trusted sources, adverse effects from therapeutic use were more common in 2005 research. This could be because of the underlying condition or the fact that larger doses are needed to treat it.
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), a brand-name prescription medication, is approved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has approved it to:
- Treat certain types of the hyperactive bladder in Adults
- Adults with severe axillary Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating under the arms) should be treated
- cervical dystonia is an involuntary tightening or stretching of the neck muscles that occurs in adults.
- Treat strabismus, or misaligned or crossed eyes in adults and children 12 years old and older
- Treatment of incontinence in adults
- Treat blepharospasm, or uncontrollable blinking, associated with dystonia in both adults and children aged 12 years old and older
- Treat spasticity, involuntary muscles spasms, both for adults and children aged 2 years or older
- Prevent headaches from long-term (chronic) migraine in adults
Here are some quick facts about Botox
- Active ingredient: onabotulinumtoxinA
- Drug class: neurotoxin
- Drug Form: liquid solution given via intramuscular or intradermal injection
Botox, like other drugs, can have side effects. Learn more about side effects that can be mild, serious, or common. This article gives a comprehensive overview of Botox and details about its uses.
Study evaluation in 2021
Trusted Source reports that several people who had Botox injections were able to experience:
- Reddening of the skin at the surface
- Swelling
- Drooping eyelids or brows
- A throbbing sensation in the injection area
- Different skin discolorations
These adverse effects were minor and only temporary. Botox is generally considered safe. Botox injections must always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Negative side effects are more likely if your injections were not prepared following FDA guidelines, or if they are administered by an inexperienced physician. Botox should be avoided if you are pregnant or nursing.
Botox can be used in many ways
Botox is used most often to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox injections can be used to relax muscles that are responsible for:
- Crow’s feet are also known as the creases around your eyes’ outer corners.
- Between the eyebrows, frown lines
- The forehead wrinkles
It can also be used to treat muscle problems. These include the following:
- sluggish eye
- Twitching of the eyes
- Migraines that last a while
- Cervical dystonia is a condition that causes spasms of the neck.
- Hyperactive bladder
- Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating
- One example of a neurological condition is cerebral palsy.
Botox Side effects are more common
Botox can have side effects. Some are more common than others. These side effects can be temporary and last for a few days to weeks. Talk to your pharmacist if you experience side effects that last more than a few days or weeks.
These are only a few side effects that have been reported by patients who received Botox in clinical trials. These side effects may vary depending on the condition being treated.
Botox for the hyperactive bladder is known to cause more common side effects:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Urinary retention (trouble-totally emptying the bladder).
- Urinating causes discomfort or pain
Botox for axillary Hyperhidrosis is more commonly associated with side effects:
- Excessive sweating other than underarms
- Sore throat
- flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, or body aches
- Pain or bleeding at the injection site (see “Side effects specifics” below).
Botox for cervical Dystonia is more commonly known to cause side effects:
- Symptoms of discomfort or pain during swallowing
- neck pain
- Cough
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (see “Side Effect Specifics” below).
- Headache (see “Side effects specifics” below).
Botox for Strabismus has more common side effects:
Botox for Urinary Incontinence is more commonly used in those with a neurological disorder.
Botox for blepharospasm is more common in those who take it. This is because of dystonia.
- Drooping eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Eye inflammation (damage or swelling)
Botox for spasticity in the bladder can cause more side effects:
- Pain in the extremities (e.g. hands and feet)
Botox for spasticity in the bladder is more common than Botox.
- Upper respiratory tract infection (see “Side effects specifics” below).
Botox for long-term (chronic) migraine is more commonly known to cause side effects:
- Neck pain
- Headache (see “Side effects specifics” below).
For more information on the conditions Botox can treat, please see this article.
Botox Mild Side effects
Botox can cause mild side effects. This list does not include all mild side effects that have been reported. You can find more information at Botox’s prescribing info.
These side effects may vary depending on the condition being treated. Botox is not likely to cause side effects in someone who takes Botox for long-term (chronic) migraine.
Botox can cause mild side effects, such as:
- Cough
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Drooping Eyelids
- fever
- Muscle aches
- nausea
- neck pain
- Excessive sweating other than underarms
- Urinating causes discomfort or pain
- Pain in your extremities such as your feet or hands
- muscle weakness close to the injection site
- Sore throat
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- injection site reactions*
- headache*
- Urinary tract infection*
These side effects can be temporary and last for a few days to weeks. Talk to your pharmacist if you experience side effects that last more than a few days or weeks.
Severe side effects of Botox
Botox may cause serious side effects. This list may not contain all side effects reported by Botox. You can find more information at Botox’s prescribing info.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects from Botox. If you feel the side effects are life-threatening or you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Side effects that can cause serious side effects or symptoms include:
- Corneal ulceration This is an open sore on your skin Cornea The clear covering that covers the front of your eyes is called a “scarlet” * Signs and symptoms can include:
- blurry vision
- Feeling like something is right in front of you
- Redness and pain in the eye
- Watery eyes
- A white spot on your cornea
- Trouble breathing or swallowing These symptoms can include:
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing
Botox can have long-term effects.
Botox injections have a short-term effect, so most people will need many injections. Unfortunately, safety and efficacy data is not available for Botox injections.
Trusted Source studied a 2015 study that found that Botox injections were given every six months to treat bladder problems in participants. Researchers limited the observation period to two years.
The danger of adverse effects didn’t increase over time, they concluded. Multiple injections resulted in better long-term therapeutic outcomes. According to a 2015 study, there are risks of developing harmful side effects after the tenth and eleventh injections.
In 2005, for example, 45 people were observed by researchers. The participants received Botox injections on a daily basis. There were 20 reports of side effects from Botox during this period. The following were some of the reported side effects:
- Problems swallowing
- Drooping eyelids
- neck affliction
- nausea
- vomiting
- Problems with your eyesight
- General or severe affliction
- Chewing problems
Take Away
Botox treatment is best done with a licensed medical professional. While it may seem less costly to work with someone not licensed, you have a higher chance of having problems. Remember that the toxin can last for 3 to 6 months so you may need multiple doses.
Any procedure can cause side effects. Talk to your doctor about the injection process and recovery. Your doctor will be happy to answer your questions and discuss the risks and advantages of each procedure.