Botox

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) has been linked to spreading to other body areas outside of the injection site and cause toxic effects, occurring hours to weeks after receiving the medication. This can cause serious side effects, such as unexplained muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, breathing or swallowing difficulty, slurred speech or trouble speaking, or the need to urinate more frequently. If you notice any of these side effects, seek medical help right away.

Serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis (closing of the throat), have been reported after using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). If you experience trouble breathing, swelling anywhere in your body, or rash, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately. Don't use Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) again if you experience any of these symptoms.

People with certain muscle-nerve conditions (e.g., myasthenia gravis) have a higher risk of experiencing serious side effects from Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). These effects include muscle weakness anywhere in the body, blurry vision, drooping eyelids, and trouble speaking, eating, drinking, or breathing. If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical help right away. Make sure to discuss your full medical history with your provider before using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) can cause life-threatening problems with swallowing or breathing by weakening muscles involved in these functions, occurring hours to weeks after receiving Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). These effects can last for many months. Your risk is higher if you have certain conditions affecting your muscles or nerves, history of breathing or swallowing problems, small neck muscles, or if you're getting Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) injected into certain muscles (e.g., sternocleidomastoid muscle). In people being treated for spasms, bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., common cold) were seen as side effects. These conditions can make it more difficult to breathe. If you experience trouble breathing, eating, or swallowing, seek medical help right away. If you have a history of swallowing or breathing problems, let your provider know before receiving Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Injecting Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) in or near the eyelid muscle leads to reduced blinking, which can lead to eye problems like ulcers in your eye. You're at a higher risk if you have a history of eye surgery or certain nerve problems. Your provider will make sure your eyes are okay and may prescribe an ointment or special contact lenses to protect your eyes if there are any problems. Rarely, Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) can also cause serious bleeding in your eyes. Let your provider know right away if you experience any vision changes after getting your injection.

Injecting Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) in certain bladder muscles can cause a life-threatening condition called autonomic dysreflexia, where your body's nervous system overreacts. Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia include a change in heart rate, excessive sweating, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, or skin color changes. If you experience any of these symptoms after using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), seek medical help immediately.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) raises your risk for UTI when using it to treat frequent urination (overactive bladder or OAB). Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, fever, feeling tired, and smelly urine. Let your provider know if you experience any of these symptoms after using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA). Your risk is higher if you've had UTIs that keep coming back. Discuss your full medical history with your provider, and the risks and benefits of using Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).