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Watch real patients talk about living with CD and how BOTOX® treatment has helped them.

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In recent years, BOTOX® neurotoxin has received much attention from the public. As a result, you may have heard some myths about BOTOX®. The information here clears up some of the most common ones. Read on to get the facts about BOTOX® treatment.

MYTH: BOTOX® can cause botulism.
FACT: BOTOX® is not expected to cause botulism at the doses recommended in the labeling.

The way it is given in clinical practice, BOTOX® injections are not expected to cause botulism at the doses recommended in the labeling. BOTOX® is prepared under strict quality-control standards. It is to be given to patients only by licensed doctors.

MYTH: BOTOX® is not for medical use.
FACT: BOTOX® has several approved medical uses.

The FDA has approved BOTOX® to treat:
  • Cervical dystonia (CD)—head tilting, neck pain, and neck muscle spasms
  • Blepharospasm, or eyelid spasms
  • Strabismus, also called crossed eyes
  • Severe underarm sweating when antiperspirants don’t work
The same formulation was also approved by the FDA in 2002 as BOTOX® Cosmetic. For more information, visit the BOTOX® Cosmetic Web site.

MYTH: You can only get BOTOX® treatment once.
FACT: BOTOX® treatment can be repeated.

Each BOTOX® treatment typically lasts up to 3 months in most patients. Treatments can be repeated as long as your condition responds to BOTOX®. Although most people continue to respond to BOTOX®, some people respond less over time. Your doctor will do 2 things to help you maintain your response to BOTOX®. He or she will:
  • Give you the lowest effective dose
  • Determine the proper time between injections
Your doctor may not give you repeat treatment with BOTOX® if you have had any serious allergic reactions or other significant side effects to BOTOX® in the past.

MYTH: BOTOX® injections are painful.
FACT: Most patients tolerate the injections well.

As with any injection, 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.