Advanced Consumer Information

BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE B (Parenteral-Local)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

Myobloc

Description

Botulinum toxin type B (BOT-yoo-lye-num ) is used to treat abnormal head position and neck pain that is a result of cervical dystonia.

Botulinum toxin type B is injected into the muscles that are affected. Depending on your condition, more than one treatment may be required.

This medicine is to be administered only by, or under the immediate supervision of, your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
Injection (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of receiving the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For botulinum toxin type B, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to botulinum toxin type B or any other type of botulinum toxin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether botulinum toxin type B passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of botulinum toxin type B in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of botulinum toxin type B in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of botulinum toxin type B will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of botulinum toxin type B.

For injection dosage form:
- For abnormal head position and neck pain
  - Adults— One or more injections into the affected muscles for a total of 2500 to 5000 units of botulinum toxin type B.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Difficulty swallowing; infection

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Acid or sour stomach; back pain; belching; cough; difficulty in moving; dizziness; dry mouth; flu-like syndrome; headache; heartburn or indigestion; injection site pain; lack or loss of strength or energy; muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness; nausea; neck pain; pain, swelling, or redness in joints; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 02/20/2001
Revised: 02/23/2006