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You may have questions about BOTOX® neurotoxin and its medical uses. Some of the most common ones are answered on this page. If you would like more information, talk to your doctor. He or she is the best source of information about your condition and its treatment. Click the links below to view the answers to common questions about the following topics: About BOTOX®

What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a medicine approved to treat:
  • Cervical dystonia (CD)—head tilting, neck pain, and neck muscle spasms
  • Blepharospasm, or eyelid spasms
  • Strabismus, or crossed eyes
  • Severe underarm sweating when antiperspirants don’t work
BOTOX® is given by injection. Only a licensed doctor can inject BOTOX®.

How is BOTOX® different from oral treatments?
When drugs are taken by mouth, they are distributed throughout the body by the blood system. BOTOX® is different. It is injected directly into the muscles affected by your condition. Therefore, at the doses recommended in the labeling, it is not expected to be found in the bloodstream at levels that can be measured.

How does BOTOX® work?
The signals that cause pain and muscle spasms are sent to the muscles through the nerves. BOTOX® blocks the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles, resulting in relief. Similarly, BOTOX® is thought to block the signals that cause pain.

A study done in patients with CD showed that BOTOX® can help reduce the intensity and frequency of pain. Pain relief may happen first, before muscles become significantly relaxed. Watch the How BOTOX Works animation now.
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Finding a doctor

How can I find a doctor who injects BOTOX®?
You may use the Find a Doctor tool on this Web site to find a doctor near you. Doctors in our network have experience with BOTOX® treatment. They are an excellent source for answers to your questions about BOTOX®.
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Receiving BOTOX® treatment

How is BOTOX® given?
BOTOX® is given by injection. You can get BOTOX® treatment right in your doctor’s office. How much BOTOX® the doctor injects and which muscles are injected, may be different from person to person. You should be able to leave your doctor’s office later the same day.

How long can I be treated with BOTOX®?
Your doctor will decide how long you can be treated with BOTOX®. You may receive repeat injections as long as:
  • Your condition responds to BOTOX®
  • You do not have any serious allergic reactions to BOTOX® or other significant side effects
How can I help maintain my response to BOTOX®?
To maintain the best possible response to BOTOX® over time, your doctor will give you the lowest effective dose. Also, he or she will determine the proper time between injections. To help your doctor determine how to best manage your treatment, you may wish to track your symptoms in a diary. Note how your pain, muscle spasms, and posture change over time.
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What to expect from BOTOX® treatment

Does the injection hurt?
Many people wonder how the injection is going to feel. You may experience localized pain, tenderness, and/or bruising where you receive the injection. This is normal and usually mild. You should be able to leave your doctor’s office later the same day, since treatments are given right there and usually allow for a short recovery period.

When will BOTOX® start to work?
Once you receive BOTOX® treatment, you’ll start to feel the benefits soon, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks after receiving BOTOX® treatment.

How long do the effects last?
After receiving BOTOX® treatment, relief may last for up to 3 months. You may be able to receive additional BOTOX® treatment as needed. Your doctor will decide if repeat injections can help you. You may receive repeat injections as long as:
  • Your condition responds to BOTOX®
  • You do not have any allergic reactions to BOTOX® or other significant side effects
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Possible BOTOX® side effects

What are possible side effects?
You may experience localized pain, tenderness, and/or bruising where you receive the injection. This is normal and usually mild. You should be able to leave your doctor’s office later the same day, since treatments are given right there and usually allow for a short recovery period.

For more information about other common side effects, see the Important Safety Information page and talk to your doctor.

How can I manage side effects?
Tell your doctor about any side effects you have. He or she can help you find the best way to manage them.
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Insurance coverage

Will my insurance cover BOTOX®?
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover the cost of BOTOX® treatments for certain conditions. Call the BOTOX® reimbursement solutions hotline for help resolving insurance coverage issues regarding BOTOX® treatment.

Also, the BOTOX PATIENT ASSISTANCE™ Program may help provide access to BOTOX® to eligible patients who:

  • Are uninsured or do not have full insurance
  • Demonstrate a financial need
  • Do not qualify for government assistance
For more information about BOTOX® reimbursement solutions or to find out if you are eligible for the BOTOX PATIENT ASSISTANCE™ Program, call:

1-800-44-BOTOX (1-800-442-6869)
Press option 4 for BOTOX® reimbursement solutions.
Press option 6 for BOTOX PATIENT ASSISTANCE™ Program.

What if I do not have insurance or have insufficient insurance and cannot afford BOTOX®?
Allergan supports the BOTOX PATIENT ASSISTANCE™ Program for financially eligible patients who do not have the resources to pay for their treatment.

To find out of you are eligible, call:

1-800-44-BOTOX (1-800-442-6869)
Press option 4 for BOTOX® reimbursement solutions.
Press option 6 for BOTOX PATIENT ASSISTANCE™ Program.

Visit BOTOX® reimbursement solutions.
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Medical uses of BOTOX®

What is cervical dystonia or CD?
CD is a condition that affects muscles in the neck. If you have CD, those muscles may tighten or spasm without your control. This can force your head and neck into movements or positions that are painful and awkward.

If you think your symptoms may be caused by CD, talk to your doctor. Create a customized symptom checklist to print and discuss at your next doctor visit.

Also, learn more in the Signs of Cervical Dystonia section.

What is blepharospasm?
This condition causes spasms in and around the eyelids. This results in frequent blinking and closing of the eyes that you can’t control. Because of these symptoms, it can be hard to see. Treatment with BOTOX® can reduce muscle spasms. This reduces blinking, which may help restore the ability to see.

What is strabismus?
Strabismus is also called crossed eyes. Crossed eyes happens when certain muscles tighten around the eye. This tightening pulls the eyeball to the side. BOTOX® treatment can relax the affected muscles. Then the eyeball can return to its normal position.

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