BOTOX® Dreams Campaign Homepage

Like many of you visiting this web site, I had a dream growing up.

For as long as I can remember, my dream was always to play professional hockey. I worked hard, took good care of my body and eventually achieved my dream by making it to the National Hockey League. I had been playing in the NHL for eight years when the symptoms of what later would be diagnosed as cervical dystonia (CD), began. I had difficulty keeping my head from shaking and pulling to the side, which worsened steadily until my head was pulled all the way to the left. The constant and involuntary contraction of my neck muscles resulted in such unbearable pain, I found it almost impossible to drive a car, read to my children, or even watch a movie. I certainly couldn't play hockey, so I had to quit the sport I loved.

Luckily, I was quickly and accurately diagnosed with CD by a neurologist who suggested I undergo treatment with BOTOX^® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) injections. I was astonished to learn that BOTOX^® has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of debilitating medical conditions since 1989 and has been FDA approved for cervical dystonia since 2000.

Thanks to my healthcare team, which includes my neurologist and an osteopathic physician, I received an accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment with BOTOX^®, and the right physical therapy. With all this and the support from the folks I love, I was able to return to hockey, and the thrill of playing in the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Because I saw the right doctor and received effective treatments, I was able to return to playing ice hockey. Now it's your chance to make a dream come true. I am supporting the BOTOX^® Dreams campaign, a unique opportunity to tell your CD story and be awarded a $10,000 grant for your favorite philanthropic, community-based organization. Four CD patients will be awarded. Sharing your story will not only help others, but could help make a dream come true in your own community!

With warm regards,
Rem Murray Signature
Rem Murray

About BOTOX^® (Botulinum Toxin Type A)

BOTOX^® is approved for the treatment of cervical dystonia in adults to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia.

Important Safety Information

Who Should Not Be Treated With BOTOX^®

BOTOX^® treatment is contraindicated in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you're having an allergic reactions or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, call your doctor immediately.

Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

Patients with neuromuscular disorders may be at increased risk of clinically significant systemic effects including severe dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and respiratory compromise from typical doses of BOTOX^®.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a commonly reported adverse event following treatment of cervical dystonia patients with all botulinum toxins. In these patients, there are reports of rare cases of dysphagia severe enough to warrant the insertion of a gastric feeding tube.

Precautions

Patients or caregivers should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if swallowing, speech, or respiratory disorders arise.

Side Effects

Localized pain, tenderness, and/or bruising may be associated with the injection.

In cervical dystonia, the most common side effects following injection include difficulty swallowing (19%), upper respiratory infection (12%), neck pain (11%), and headache (11%).

Click here for full prescribing information for BOTOX^®

About BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A)