We wish to neither exaggerate nor understate the risks and benefits associated with Botox® but to provide unbiased information so potential patients can make an informed decision. More importantly, it is important that you discuss any questions you have with a qualified doctor. A thorough consultation should result in a fully informed decision.

Who Should Not Take Botox?

Do not take Botox if you:

  • are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox, notify your doctor of all medication Allergies before taking Botox
  • had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc® orDysport®
  • have a skin infection at the planned injection site
  • are under 18
  • are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan on becoming pregnant

Potential Side-Effects

Although in most cases Botox results are successful, there are potentially dangerous side-effects which can come up. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use Botox. Since Botox doesn’t work for all wrinkles, you should consult with a doctor first.

Botox may cause serious side effects that can be life-threatening. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these problems any time after injection of Botox:

  • Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These problems can happen hours to weeks after an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic, usually because the muscles that you use to breathe and swallow can become weak after the injection. Death can happen as a complication if you have severe problems with swallowing or breathing after treatment with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
  • People with certain breathing problems may need to use muscles in their neck to help them breathe. These patients may be at greater risk for serious breathing problems with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
  • Swallowing problems may last for several months. People who cannot swallow well may need a feeding tube to receive food and water. If swallowing problems are severe, food or liquids may go into your lungs. People who already have swallowing or breathing problems before receiving BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic have the highest risk of having these problems.
  • The spread of toxin effects. In some cases, the effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas of the body away from the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism.

The Symptoms of Butolism

  • loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body
  • double vision
  • blurred vision and drooping eyelids
  • hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia)
  • trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria)
  • loss of bladder control
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble swallowing

These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after you receive an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic. These problems could make it unsafe for you to drive a car or do other dangerous activities.

There has not been a confirmed serious case of the spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when BOTOX® has been used at the recommended dose to treat severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm, or strabismus, or when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines.

If you have already problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, you are at the highest risk of severe, sometimes fatal side-effects. You may experience some of these problems after injection due to the weakening of associated muscles.

Areas away from the injection site may also be affected and cause serious symptoms such as blurred or double vision, hoarseness, loss of bladder control, loss of strength and muscle weakness. If any of these happen, do not operate machinery, drive a car or do other dangerous activities.

Other allergic reactions which have been reported include rashes, welts, itching, feeling faint or dizziness, asthma symptoms or wheezing.