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What is botulinum toxin used to treat?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

What is botulinum toxin? What are the uses of the FDA approved botulinum toxin products?

Botulinum toxin is used in the treatment of overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, chronic migraines, spasticity (contractions causing muscle stiffness), cervical dystonia (neck muscles contracting involuntarily), severe underarm sweating, eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, and drooling. It is also used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles.

What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism. The botulinum toxin was found to cause muscle paralysis in the body, and over time this led to the discovery and development of the pharmaceutical products we have available today.

What are the uses of the FDA approved botulinum toxin products?

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for injection

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for injection

Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB) Injection

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for Injection

Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) for Injection

Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) for Injection

Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) for Injection

Letybo (letibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg) for Injection

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How many units of Botox do I need and what will it cost?

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is measured in units, and the number of units you need depends on the treatment area, muscle strength, and your goals. Most providers charge $10–$25 per unit in the U.S.

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Where do they inject Botox for migraines?

Botox is injected into 7 specific muscle areas around your head and neck to help prevent migraine headaches before they start. Areas include your forehead, bridge of the nose, temples, neck, back of the head, and just above the shoulder blades in your upper back. Continue reading

Does Botox for migraines also help with wrinkles?

Botox Cosmetic is used for aesthetic purposes for wrinkles and Botox is used as a therapeutic treatment for different medical conditions, including migraine headache prevention. Botox Cosmetic and Botox come as separate products but are both prescription medicines that contain the active ingredient onabotulinumtoxinA. Continue reading

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