Botox injections are a popular cosmetic procedure used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Botox. Common side effects include neck pain, muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, pain, and redness or discoloration at the injection sites. In addition, Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic migraines.
This therapy works best for people who have headaches for at least 15 days a month. It is important to note that the effect of administering different botulinum neurotoxin products at the same time or several months apart from each other is unknown. The formation of neutralizing antibodies against Botulinum toxin type A may reduce the effectiveness of Botox treatment by inactivating the biological activity of the toxin. People with neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may be at increased risk of certain Botox side effects.
Excessive neuromuscular weakness may be aggravated by administration of another botulinum toxin prior to resolution of the effects of a previously administered botulinum toxin. If you think you're experiencing side effects that are affecting your brain while taking Botox, call your doctor. In fact, only 36 cases of adverse effects associated with the use of cosmetics were reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1989 and 2003. Most people begin to see an effect within a few days or 2 weeks, and the effect usually lasts for 3 to 6 months. This medication can spread to other parts of the body after the injection and cause serious (possibly fatal) side effects. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, instructions, precautions, drug interactions, or side effects, nor should it be construed to mean that the use of a particular medication is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or any other person. For example, a person taking Botox for chronic (long-term) migraine is unlikely to have side effects related to bladder or ability to urinate.
Because this medication is given to the site of the condition, most side effects occur near the site where the medication is injected. This has caused serious, life-threatening side effects for some people who receive botulinum toxin injections, including for cosmetic purposes. If side effects seem life-threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. When this medication is used for excessive sweating, side effects such as non-axillary sweating, respiratory infections such as a cold or flu, headache, fever, neck or back pain, and anxiety can occur. If you have side effects that last longer than a few days or weeks, bother you, or worsen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
