Key takeaways:
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) are injectable medications that help improve the appearance of wrinkles. While there are slight differences between them, they’re similar medications overall.
Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved to treat more cosmetic conditions than Jeuveau. But neither treatment should be administered more often than every 3 months.
There are ways to save on both Botox and Jeuveau. You can save on Botox Cosmetic with a GoodRx discount, and Jeuveau’s manufacturer has a rewards program to help you save.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is one of the most recognizable wrinkle-smoothing treatments available. Since its arrival on the cosmetics market in 2002, the name “Botox” has become so well known that it’s used almost interchangeably with the medication class itself. But in recent years, more brands of botulinum toxin injections have popped up. Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) is one newer option available.
So, how does Jeuveau compare with Botox? We’ve got you covered with this overview of similarities and differences between Jeuveau versus Botox.
What are Botox and Jeuveau?
Botox Cosmetic is an injectable medication made from botulinum toxin. This is a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a rare but dangerous infection that affects your nerves and muscles. But when given in small doses to targeted areas of the body, the toxin can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.
Jeuveau is a Botox alternative injection that’s also made from Clostridium botulinum. It was FDA approved in 2019 as a similar wrinkle-smoothing treatment.
How do Botox and Jeuveau work for treating wrinkles?
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau work in the same way to combat wrinkles. They’re injected into certain muscles in your face, where they block nerves and temporarily prevent muscles from contracting. This helps smooth existing wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
What are the main differences between Botox and Jeuveau?
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau share many similarities. But there are also a few key differences to keep in mind. These differences mainly relate to the types of wrinkles they treat and how they’re made. Cost is also a factor.
Uses
Both Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau are approved for adults ages 18 and older. Botox Cosmetic has more uses, though. It treats these moderate-to-severe cosmetic conditions:
Frown lines between the eyebrows
Crow’s feet lines
Forehead lines
Platysma bands (vertical bands connecting jaw and neck)
Jeuveau, by comparison, is only approved to improve moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows.
Good to know: The medical version of Botox is approved to treat a variety of health conditions. Chronic migraines, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating are a few examples. Jeuveau is only approved for cosmetic purposes and can’t treat these medical conditions.
Formulation
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau each contain different botulinum toxins. Botox contains onabotulinumtoxinA while Jeuveau consists of prabotulinumtoxinA.
Botox Cosmetic is available as 50 unit and 100 unit single-dose vials. It’s mixed with sodium chloride to dilute it before injection.
Jeuveau comes as a 100 unit single-dose vial. Like Botox Cosmetic, Jeuveau is also diluted with sodium chloride before it’s injected.
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Jeuveau and more: Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) and several other Botox Cosmetic alternatives treat wrinkles. Here’s a rundown of the available options.
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Effectiveness
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau are generally considered similarly effective. But, currently, there are limited studies that directly compare Botox Cosmetic to Jeuveau. So for now, it’s difficult to say if one works better than the other.
Both injections do seem to be effective in smoothing wrinkles when compared to a placebo (an injection with no medication). For example, in two studies that helped contribute to Botox Cosmetic’s FDA approval, researchers investigated the effects of Botox Cosmetic on frown lines after 30 days. About 80% of people who received Botox Cosmetic saw improved frown lines compared with only 3% of people who received placebo. Another review looked at Jeuveau's effectiveness for frown lines after 30 days. Data showed that up to 70% of people receiving Jeuveau saw improved frown lines compared with only about 1% of people who received placebo.
How fast do Botox and Jeuveau work?
Most people notice a difference in their appearance within about 3 to 5 days after getting Botox Cosmetic or Jeuveau injections. But it typically takes about 7 to 10 days to see the full benefits.
For safety reasons, you shouldn’t receive treatments of either medication more frequently than once every 3 months.
Side effects
When given properly, both Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau injections are generally well tolerated. Some people do experience a few side effects. But these side effects differ depending on the dosage and the location of the injection.
Common Botox side effects include headaches, droopy eyelids, and brow drooping. Some people also report side effects like pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Side effects are similar for Jeuveau. But in one study, adult men experienced more headaches and droopy eyelids with Jeuveau than Botox Cosmetic.
Serious risks
Very rarely, both Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau injections can spread beyond the areas where they’re injected. This can cause serious side effects, such as double vision, dry eyes, or difficulty swallowing or breathing. These can also be symptoms of botulism. If you experience any side effects that feel serious or life threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.
What are the similarities between Botox and Jeuveau?
Botox and Jeuveau have a lot in common overall. Knowing more about these features can help you decide which, if either, of these injections are right for you.
These are the main Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau similarities to keep in mind:
They’re both FDA approved for adults ages 18 years and older.
They both treat frown lines.
They’re quick injections that take about 15 minutes per treatment.
There’s no downtime — you can return to daily activities right after the injections.
They should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional.
The injections shouldn’t be given more often than once every 3 months.
How to save on Botox and Jeuveau
The list prices of Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau are similar. Some data shows that Botox typically costs $10 to $15 per unit. Jeuveau’s list price may be as low as $8 per unit.
However, it’s hard to directly compare the costs of Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau injections. Specific costs vary for everyone. It depends on which areas of your face you want to target, and how much medication you get administered at one time. Costs also vary by clinic, and the frequency of your injections also plays a big role.
Specific pricing also depends on the number of units you receive during your treatment. For instance, Botox Cosmetic is approved for several types of wrinkles, so you may get between 20 and 40 units per appointment. Jeuveau is only approved for frown lines, so you'll typically only receive about 20 units per appointment, since it can only be administered to that specific area.
Still, there are a few ways to save money on these injections. Botox Cosmetic may cost as low as $374.40 for 50 units with a free GoodRx discount.
Manufacturer savings cards are another option. You may be eligible to save $40 on Jeuveau every 3 months using a savings card from the manufacturer. Botox’s manufacturer offers a rewards program, too. You can also check with your local clinic to see if they’re running any promotions.
Frequently asked questions
No, you shouldn’t receive Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau at the same time. Combining them can be risky and lead to potentially serious side effects. It’s also important not to substitute one for the other. This is because each product is made by a different company that uses its own specialized facilities and back-end technology.
Jeuveau may last a little longer than Botox Cosmetic. In one study, Jeuveau’s effects lasted for about 5 months in certain people. Botox Cosmetic typically lasts about 3 to 4 months. Keep in mind that specific timelines outside of clinical studies may vary.
No, unless it’s a counterfeit version. Fake Botox can cause serious complications that could land you in the hospital. One way to prevent receiving a counterfeit Botox treatment is to make sure you visit a healthcare professional and clinic that’s licensed to give the injections. Real Botox should say Botox Cosmetic on the label, along with onabotulinumtoxinA for injection listed underneath.
No, you shouldn’t receive Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau at the same time. Combining them can be risky and lead to potentially serious side effects. It’s also important not to substitute one for the other. This is because each product is made by a different company that uses its own specialized facilities and back-end technology.
Jeuveau may last a little longer than Botox Cosmetic. In one study, Jeuveau’s effects lasted for about 5 months in certain people. Botox Cosmetic typically lasts about 3 to 4 months. Keep in mind that specific timelines outside of clinical studies may vary.
No, unless it’s a counterfeit version. Fake Botox can cause serious complications that could land you in the hospital. One way to prevent receiving a counterfeit Botox treatment is to make sure you visit a healthcare professional and clinic that’s licensed to give the injections. Real Botox should say Botox Cosmetic on the label, along with onabotulinumtoxinA for injection listed underneath.
The bottom line
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) both work well at improving the appearance of wrinkles. But Botox Cosmetic is FDA approved to treat more types of wrinkles than Jeuveau. Both can cause mild side effects, and they should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional in a medical setting. If you have any questions or concerns about Botox Cosmetic or Jeuveau, reach out to your healthcare team for more information.
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References
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