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OnabotulinumtoxinA Solution for injection

A skeletal muscle relaxant - This medicine is used to treat crossed eyes, eyelid spasms, and severe ... more

Generic Name: botulinum toxin type A  |  Brand Name: Botox

Brand Names: Botox, Botox Cosmetic

There is an FDA Alert for this drug. Click here to view it.

What is this medicine?

ONABOTULINUMTOXINA is a neuro-muscular blocker. This medicine is used to treat crossed eyes, eyelid spasms, and severe neck muscle spasms. It is also used to treat excessive underarm sweating.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups.

This medicine will cause weakness in the muscle where it is injected. Tell your doctor if you feel unusually weak in other muscles. Get medical help right away if you have problems with breathing, swallowing, or talking.

This medicine contains albumin from human blood. It may be possible to pass an infection in this medicine, but no cases have been reported. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

If your activities have been limited by your condition, go back to your regular routine slowly after treatment with this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain or tightness
  • eye pain, infection
  • fast, irregular heartbeat
  • fever, flu-like symptoms
  • numbness
  • speech problems
  • swallowing problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • bruising or pain at site where injected
  • drooping eyelid
  • dry eyes or mouth
  • eye irritation
  • eye pointing down or up
  • headache
  • sensitivity to light
  • tearing

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.


Last Updated: August 24, 2009
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