Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used in adults to temporarily improve the look of facial lines. It's FDA approved to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and neck lines. The medication is injected directly into the facial muscles by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects can vary depending on the injection site and can include headache and droopy eyelids.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from medical Botox, which is used for certain health conditions like migraines or muscle spasms.
What is Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)?
What is Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) used for?
Temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial lines, including:
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Forehead lines
- Neck lines
How Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) works
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a neuromuscular blocker, which means it blocks signals between your nerves and muscles. It works by stopping the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which your body uses to make muscles move. When Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is injected into a muscle, it helps that muscle relax, which makes facial lines in that area look temporarily smoother.
Drug facts
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Side effects of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Frown lines:
- Droopy eyelids (3%)
Crow's feet:
- Eyelid swelling (1%)
Forehead lines:
- Headache (9%)
Less Common Side Effects
Frown lines:
- Facial pain (1%)
- Weakness in the muscles of the face (1%)
- Muscle weakness (1%)
Crow's feet:
- Eyelid swelling (1%)
Forehead lines:
- Droopy eyelids (2%)
- Droopy eyebrow (2%)
- Skin tightness (2%)
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Spread of toxin effects: loss of strength, muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, droopy eyelids, voice changes, trouble speaking clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing
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The following Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dryness or irritation of the eyes, eye pain, change in vision, sensitivity to light
- Spread of botulinum toxin effects—unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry or double vision, trouble swallowing, hoarseness or trouble speaking, trouble breathing, loss of bladder control
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Pros
- Can treat many facial and neck lines at the same time
- Might start to see results within days
- Lasts up to 3 to 4 months
- Quick recovery time after injections
Cons
- Needs to be injected by a trained healthcare professional
- Injections can be uncomfortable
- Not permanent, requires repeat injections
- Side effects include droopy eyelids and headache
Pharmacist tips for Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
- Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections can feel like a quick pinch. Your healthcare professional might use ice or numbing cream to help reduce pain. Talk with your prescriber ahead of time if you're nervous about discomfort during injections.
- The number of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections you get will depend on the areas being treated. Ask your prescriber to explain the procedure so you’ll know what to expect before your appointment.
- You might start to see results from Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) within 1 or 2 days. Most people see continued improvement over the first week and full results in 2 weeks to 1 month.
- Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) can sometimes cause droopy eyelids. If this affects your vision, avoid driving or doing anything that requires clear sight. This side effect is usually temporary and goes away in about 3 to 4 weeks.
- Some people using Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) have experienced dry eyes. If your eyes feel irritated, sensitive to light, or your vision changes, let your prescriber know.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you have any strange or serious symptoms after receiving Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA). This includes trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing, or if an existing symptom gets worse.
- The effects of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) usually last about 3 to 4 months. If you stop getting injections, the lines will slowly return. Check in with your prescriber regularly to review your goals.
- It’s not clear if Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, it caused problems with the baby’s growth. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits.
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Common questions about Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
No, those two products aren't the same. Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is only FDA-approved to temporarily improve frown lines, neck lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines in adults. There's another version called Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) that's FDA-approved to prevent migraines and treat other medical conditions. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions comparing the two medications.
How long the effects of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) last can vary from person to person. But it can typically last up to 3 to 4 months. It's usually recommended to wait at least 3 months between treatments. Talk with your prescriber about your results and treatment goals — they can help you plan future appointments based on your needs.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is generally considered safe when given by a licensed and trained healthcare professional. But there are possible risks and side effects to consider. Be sure to tell your prescriber about any past or current medical conditions, such as heart, nerve, or breathing problems. They can help you decide if Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a safe option for you.
No, Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) isn't a filler. Both Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and injectable dermal fillers can help reduce the signs of aging, but there are some differences. Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is injected into facial or neck muscles to relax them, which helps smooth out fine lines. Fillers, on the other hand, are injected under the skin (not into the muscles) to fill in wrinkles or add volume. In general, fillers often last longer than Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections. Your dermatologist can help you choose the right option for your cosmetic goals.
No, Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) isn't surgery. Although it involves injections, it's a minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime. Unlike surgery, the effects of Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) are temporary and typically last a few months.
Some people taking Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) have reported rare cases of abnormal heart rhythm or heart attack. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s important to tell your prescriber if you’ve had any heart problems in the past. They can help decide if the treatment is safe for you.
No. Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) should only be injected into your muscles by a licensed healthcare professional at a clinic. Always make sure your provider is properly trained to give these injections. If Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is used the wrong way or by someone unqualified, it can lead to serious side effects, including botulism.
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Risks and warnings for Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Spread of toxin effect
- Risk factors: Children | History of muscle or nerve conditions
Some people who use Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) or similar products might have side effects that spread beyond the injection site, sometimes hours to weeks after treatment. This can cause serious side effects like muscle weakness, droopy eyelids, blurry or double vision, breathing problems, trouble swallowing, trouble speaking clearly, or loss of bladder control. If you have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing after getting Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), get medical help right away.
Serious allergic reaction
Serious and sometimes immediate allergic reactions have been reported with Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA). These might include anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, your prescriber will stop treatment and give you medical care right away.
Heart-related side effects
- Risk factors: History of heart problems
There have been reports of people experiencing abnormal heart rhythm or heart attack after using Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), especially in people who already have heart problems. Make sure to tell your prescriber if you have a history of any heart conditions. They can help decide if this treatment is safe for you.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Risk factors: History of swallowing or breathing problems | Using Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) in certain muscles | People with smaller neck muscles | History of muscle or nerve conditions
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) can sometimes cause trouble with swallowing or breathing, especially if you already have these problems. This can happen when the medication weakens muscles near the injection site that help with swallowing or breathing. These problems can start hours to weeks after your injection and can last for months. Your risk is higher if you have certain conditions affecting your muscles or nerves. If you notice any trouble swallowing or breathing, get medical help right away. Be sure to tell your prescriber if you’ve had these problems in the past before getting Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA).
Eye and vision problems
- Risk factors: History nerve problems affecting the face
Injecting Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) in or near the eyelid muscles can reduce blinking, which might lead to eye problems like dryness or even eye ulcers. Your prescriber will check your eyes and might recommend ointment or special contact lenses to help protect them if needed.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) can also cause dry eyes. If you have eye irritation, sensitivity to light, or vision changes that don't go away, contact your prescriber.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) might cause vision problems like double vision or trouble judging space or where things are around you. Let your prescriber know if you experience any of these problems after treatment.
Transmission of diseases
Although rare, Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) has a small risk of spreading certain viruses or diseases because it contains a protein from human blood. Blood donors are screened, the blood is tested for infections, and the product is processed to remove or kill viruses. These steps help lower the risk, but it’s still possible. If you have concerns, talk to your care team.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 units | 1 vial | $353.77 | $353.77 |
| 100 units of | 1 vial | $636.01 | $636.01 |
Typical dosage for Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is only available as an intramuscular (IM) injection that's given by a healthcare professional. Typically, you can receive an injection into a particular area at most once every 3 months.
- Frown lines: The total dose is 20 units.
- Crow's feet: The total dose is 24 units.
- Forehead lines and frown lines: The total dose is 40 units.
- Neck lines:
- One band on each side: The total dose is 26 units.
- 1 band on one side, 2 bands on the other side: The total dose is 31 units.
- Two bands on each side: The total dose is 36 units.
How much does Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) cost?
$353.77
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) will not be safe for you to take.
- Infection at injection site
What are alternatives to Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)?
Temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial lines, including:
