If you have certain medical conditions, your doctor may prescribe Botox for you. In this article, we describe Botox that’s used for medical purposes. To learn more about Botox that’s used for cosmetic reasons, check out this article.

Adults and children can use the drug for medical purposes. Its uses include:

If you’d like information on all of Botox’s uses, see the “What is Botox used for?” section directly below.

The powder inside the vials isotulinumtoxinA. The solution is injected into your body. You will get injections from a healthcare professional.

The active drug in Botox is called onabotulinumtoxinA, which is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms. Botox’s active drug is not available in a biosimilar form. (Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.) Instead, Botox comes only in brand-name form.

Read on to learn more about the uses and side effects of the drug.

image of white woman getting botox on the forehead
Kkgas/Stocksy United

Your doctor may recommend a drug if you have certain conditions. It is used for.

Your nerves send signals that cause symptoms, such as sweating or pain. Your nerves send signals that can cause these symptoms.

It is important to note that Botox is not used to treat.

  • Experiencing a migraine on 14 or fewer days per month is called an episodic migraine.
  • excessive sweating in other places

* For this use, Botox can be prescribed for people who can’t take anticholinergic drugs or whose condition didn’t respond to anticholinergic drugs.

“Mild or serious side effects may occur withotulinumtoxinA. The side effects described below are more common. All possible side effects are not included in these lists. Each of the drug’s uses has its own side effects.”

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of the drug. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Botox can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Botox’s medication guide.

Mild side effects ofotulinumtoxinA can be included.

Many drugs can have mild side effects that go away in a few days or weeks. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Botox, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from the drug, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

Serious side effects can be serious.

* In studies, overreaction of the nervous system was more likely in people using Botox for loss of bladder control that’s related to a disorder of the nervous system.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Botox may cause, below. You can also see this article about Botox’s side effects for details.

Pain after injection

You may have some pain after receiving Botox injections. In fact, this was a common side effect in studies of the drug. The pain typically occurs around Botox injection sites, which could include areas on your back, neck, arms, or legs.

What can help?

Try the following to help relieve pain after a Botox injection.

  • Rub or massage the skin on the injection site.
  • The injection site needs a cold compress.
  • take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)

If you have a persistent pain after getting a Botox injection, talk to your doctor.

Spread of toxin effects

Botox has a boxed warning about the risk of spread of toxin effects. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a drug’s effects that may be dangerous.

When it’s injected into your body, Botox may spread outside of the area where you receive the injection. This side effect is called “spread of toxin effects.” And it can lead to symptoms that are similar to botulism poisoning. These symptoms may include:

These symptoms might happen within hours of getting a Botox injection. Or, they might not happen until weeks after you’ve had a Botox injection. Your risk for having breathing problems or swallowing problems is higher if you already have either breathing or swallowing problems.

What can help?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should immediately tell your doctor. If you feel life threatening, call the emergency number.

Urinary tract infection

You might get a urinary tract infection (UTI) after getting Botox. In studies, this side effect was more common in people who used Botox to treat overactive bladder than in people using the drug for other conditions.

There are a few possible symptoms of the disease.

What can help?

If you have any UTI symptoms after getting a Botox injection, tell your doctor. Prescription drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals are usually needed to treat UTIs. But to help lessen UTI symptoms, you can also try home remedies such as drinking water and cranberry juice.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Botox. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause breathing problems.

If you have an allergic reaction to Botox, call your doctor. If you feel life threatening, call the emergency number.

Find answers to questions about the drug.

How long does it take Botox to work?

After you have been injected with theotulinumtoxinA, it works within 3 days. It might be several weeks after your injection before you notice any improvement.

Is Botox used for tension There is a throbbing head.s?

Yes, Botox is sometimes prescribed to treat tension There is a throbbing head.s. But Botox isn’t approved to treat tension There is a throbbing head.s, so this is known as off-label use.

If you have questions about treatment options for tension There is a throbbing head.s, talk with your doctor.

How often can you get Botox injections?

Depending on the condition you are being treated for, you can get a Botox injection as often as you want. You will only get the injections once every 3 months.

Your doctor will recommend the correct amount of Botox for you. The dosages are used but the doctor will decide the exact amount.

Form

Botox is given as an injection into your body by a healthcare professional. For most of its uses, you’ll get Botox as an injection into a muscle or into multiple muscles. But the type of injection and exact injection sites vary depending on the condition you’re using the drug for. See “How is Botox given?” below for details.

The powder inside the vials isotulinumtoxinA. The solution for injection is made from the powder and liquid.

Recommended dosage

Depending on the condition you are using the drug for, how often you get a Botox injection will depend on it. You will usually get a Botox injection in 3 months.

Questions about Botox’s dosage

Some questions about the dosage of the drug are listed below.

  • What if I miss a dose of Botox? Call your doctor’s office to reschedule any missed appointments for Botox injections. The staff at your doctor’s office can help you set up another appointment.
  • Will I need to use Botox long term? Yes, in most cases, you’ll use Botox long term for your condition. But be sure to talk with your doctor about this.
  • How long does Botox take to work? Botox starts working within a few days after it’s been injected into your body. But it might be several weeks after you got the injection before you notice your condition improving.

“Your doctor will explain how the drug is used. They will explain how often you should get the anti-wrinkle drug. Follow your doctor’s instructions for when to get the anti-wrinkle drug.”

Getting Botox

The powder inside the vials isotulinumtoxinA. The solution is injected into your body. You will get injections from a healthcare professional.

For most of its uses, you’ll get Botox as an injection into the muscle. But the type of injection and exact injection sites for Botox vary depending on the condition you’re using the drug for.

For example, for migraine prevention you’ll get Botox in these injection sites:

  • Your forehead.
  • Your temples.
  • Back of your head.
  • The base of your neck.
  • Between your shoulders.

But, injection sites for overactive bladder (OAB) are very different. For OAB, you’ll get Botox injections directly into your bladder.

Botox and food

The injection of theotulinumtoxinA is done. You can get the anti-wrinkle drug without having eaten.

You may have questions about your treatment. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions like:
    • How will the use of a drug affect my body?
  • If you bring someone with you to your appointment, you will feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are here to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Before you take the anti-wrinkle drug, you should keep in mind a few important considerations.

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any possible interactions with the drug.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Several drugs can interact with the drug, includingotulinumtoxinA.

Some drugs may interact withotulinumtoxinA. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur with the use of a drug.

Boxed warnings

Read on to learn about a boxed warning for Botox. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

There is a risk of spread of toxin effects.

When it’s injected into your body, Botox may spread outside of the area where you receive the injection. This side effect is called spread of toxin effects. It can lead to symptoms that are similar to botulism poisoning. These symptoms may include:

These symptoms might happen within hours of getting a Botox injection. Or, they might not happen until weeks after you’ve had a Botox injection. Your risk for having breathing problems or swallowing problems is higher if you already have either breathing or swallowing problems.

If you have any of these symptoms after getting a Botox injection, tell your doctor. If you feel life threatening, call the emergency number.

Other warnings

If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, it may not be right for you to use the botulinumtoxinA. Before you take the anti-wrinkle drug, you should talk to your doctor. Those described below are factors to consider.

Infection at an injection site. If you have an infection in an area where you’re planning to have a Botox injection, you shouldn’t get the planned injection. Talk with your doctor about any infections you have before getting Botox.

Neuromuscular disorders. Before getting Botox, tell your doctor about any neuromuscular disorders you have, such as myasthenia gravis. If you have a neuromuscular disorder, you might have a higher risk for certain side effects with Botox. For instance, you may have a higher risk for double vision, The eyelid is drooped., breathing problems, and swallowing problems. If you get Botox while you have a neuromuscular disorder, your doctor will likely monitor you closely for these side effects.

Trouble breathing or swallowing. If you have breathing problems or swallowing, you might be more likely to have these side effects while using Botox. Be sure to tell your doctor about any breathing or swallowing conditions you have before using this drug.

Trouble emptying your bladder. You shouldn’t use Botox to treat loss of bladder control if you aren’t able to completely empty your bladder on your own. But you can typically use Botox if you have this condition and you use a catheter to empty your bladder. Talk with your doctor before using Botox if you have problems with emptying your bladder.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Botox or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Botox. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Use with alcohol

There are no known issues with drinking alcohol while using a drug.

You should keep in mind that alcohol can make you bleed more easily. There is a chance that the side effect of the injections is bleeding. You may need to avoid drinking alcohol for a while.

If you use a drug likeotulinumtoxinA, you should talk to your doctor about the amount of alcohol you should not drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not known if it is safe to use theotulinumtoxinA during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have questions about using this drug while pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and other factors. To find current prices for Botox injections in your area, visit WellRx.com.

“You can’t get the drug from a pharmacy. You can get the drug at a specialty pharmacy, but you can also get the injections at your doctor’s office.”

If you have questions about how to pay for your treatment, you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Botox manufacturer’s website to view possible support options.

Before using the drug, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask your doctor about other treatments.

There are a few resources with information about other treatment options for the conditions that are used to manage Botox.

You can also sign up for one of our newsletters that address migraine and visit our Bezzy migraine community to learn more about this condition.

You may want to ask your doctor more questions.

  • Is it safe for my child to use a drug?
  • Will my symptoms return after I stop using theotulinumtoxinA?
  • What should I do to prepare for the injections?

Q:

Will using theotulinumtoxinA for aesthetic purposes help prevent migraines?

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A:

It’s unlikely that cosmetic use of Botox will help prevent migraine. The number of injection sites and the doses given are much higher for preventing migraine than for cosmetic purposes.

There may be some similarities between the injection sites used. The approved dose of Botox is 155 units, which is given in seven different areas. The approved dose of cosmetic Botox is 20 to 40 units.

If you want to use theotulinumtoxinA to prevent migraines, you should talk to your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.