Question

Q/ Write about Botox injections

Answer 1

Botox is a protein made from botulinum toxin that is produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism. There are different types of botulinum toxin products (toxin A and B) with different uses.

Although, botox is a toxin, but when is is used correctly and in smaller doses, it has a number of medical and cosmetic uses.

Botox injections are primarily utilized for the ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is useful in treating many conditions such as:

• Muscle stiffness/ spasms or movement disorders such as cervical dystonia, torticollis etc.
• Certain eye disorders such as crossed eyes (strabismus) and uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm).
• Severe or excessive under arm sweating called hyperhidrosis.
• Drooling or excessive saliva.
• Overactive bladder of patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate the side effects of other medications.
• Prevention of chronic migraines.

Side effects associated with botulinum toxin includes:

• Redness, bruising, infection and pain at the injection site.
• Dizziness, pain, nausea, headache and muscle weakness.
• Double vision, drooping or swollen eyelid, eye irritation, dry eyes, tearing, reduced blinking and increased sensitivity to light.

Commercial versions of Botulinum toxin includes:

• Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A)
• Dysport (abobotulinumtoxin A)
• Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxin A)
• Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxin B)
• Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxin A)