• What is BOTOX?
• How Does It Work?
• Is It Safe?

What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The effects of botulinum have been known since the turn of the century, but not until 1980 was the toxin found to be therapeutically valuable for a number of ophthalmologic disorders.

How Does It Work?
Botulinum toxin is a nerve impulse "blocker".  It binds to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters that activate muscles.

These chemicals carry the "message" from the brain that causes a muscle to contract; if the message is blocked, the muscle doesn't spasm. 

Botulinum toxin usually takes full effect within one to two weeks.  However, the nerve endings usually grow new connections to the muscles at sites that have not been exposed to botulinum toxin.  Therefore, treatment must be repeated as directed.

Is It Safe?
BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex has been recognized by the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology and National Institutes of Health as a safe and effective treatment for blepharospasm associated with dystonia.

Over ten years of clinical experience involving thousands of patients are a testimony to the potential benefits of this treatment.

It is important to understand that BOTOX is an effective, ongoing treatment for the relief of symptoms only -- it is not a cure.  And, because every patient is different, the degree of relief will vary from person to person.

Patients who have been sedentary for a long time should resume activity slowly and carefully following the administration of BOTOX.

As with any therapeutic, certain patients may experience side effects from the administration of BOTOX.  The side effects most frequently experienced by patients are: drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) -- 11%; irritation of the injected area or tearing, including dry eye, opening of the eyelid (lagophtalomos) and sensitivity to light (photophobia) -- 10%; or an outward or inward turning of the eyelid (ectropion or entropion, respectively), inflammation of the cornea (keratitis), or "double vision" (diplopia) -- less than 1%.  These side effects are usually transient in nature and BOTOX is generally well-tolerated by patients.

In addition, the effects of BOTOX may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission.  Ask your doctor if any of your current medication(s) interact with BOTOX.

If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX treatment, please consult your doctor.