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Compare Dysport vs. Botox

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both neuromuscular blockers made from the botulism toxin and are used to treat various conditions by relaxing muscles. Dysport is primarily used for muscle spasms in the neck and limbs, and for frown lines in adults under 65. Botox, on the other hand, has a broader range of uses, including treating overactive bladder, preventing migraines, reducing excessive armpit sweating, and more. While both medications are injected by a healthcare provider, Botox is only available as a brand, which might make it more expensive, whereas Dysport does not have a generic form either. Dysport's effects typically last 3 to 5 months, while Botox's duration can vary depending on the condition being treated. Both medications can cause serious side effects if the toxin spreads beyond the injection site, but Botox has additional risks like urinary tract infections and trouble urinating when used for bladder issues.

  • Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
    Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
  • Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
    Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)

  • Summary of Dysport vs. Botox

    Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
    Prescription only

    Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a medication used to ease muscle spasms and frown lines on your forehead. This medication is injected into the affected muscles by a trained healthcare provider in a clinic setting. Your provider will determine your dose of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) (measured in units) based on your condition. Side effects of this medication differ depending on where you receive the injections, but they can include pain or discomfort at the injection site, and muscle weakness.

    Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
    Prescription only

    Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used for many medical conditions caused by muscle overactivity or nerve problems. It's FDA approved for treating conditions like overactive bladder, excessive armpit sweating, and for preventing migraines. The medication is injected by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects depend on where the injection is given, but they can include urinary tract infections, headache, and neck pain. <br> Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from Botox Cosmetic, which is used for facial and neck lines.

  • Indications of Dysport vs. Botox

    Indications for
    •Neck spasms (cervical dystonia) in adults
    •Frown lines in adults under 65 years old
    •Muscle spasms in upper and lower limbs in adults and children age 2 years and older
    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder (OAB) - adults
    •Loss of bladder control caused by nerve-bladder problems - adults
    •Nerve-related bladder problem - children 5 years and older
    •Headache prevention for chronic migraine - adults
    •Muscle spasms - adults and children 2 years and older
    •Neck muscle spasms - adults
    •Excessive armpit sweating - adults
    •Eyelid twitching - adults and children 12 years and older
    •Crossed eyes - adults and children 12 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Dysport vs. Botox

    Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
    Pros
    •Injected directly into the affected area(s)
    •Some people might see improvement in frown lines in 2 to 3 days
    •Effects from one treatment can last many weeks or months
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected by a healthcare provider
    •Injections can be uncomfortable
    •Risk of toxin spreading to other parts of your body and causing serious side effects, such as blurry vision, trouble swallowing, and breathing problems
    Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
    Pros
    •FDA approved to treat many different conditions
    •Might be a good option when other treatments have failed
    •Injected directly into the area causing trouble
    •Effects last a few months
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional
    •Injections can be uncomfortable
    •Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body
    •Might need to get repeat treatments

  • Common Side Effects of Dysport vs. Botox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nose and throat infection (10%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 3%)
    •Pain at the injection site (3%)
    •Reactions at the injection site (3%)

    Please note: Side effects reported by people who received Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for frown lines.

    Common Side Effects for

    Overactive bladder:

    •Urinary tract infection (18%)
    •Painful urination (9%)
    •Trouble emptying the bladder (6%)

    Loss of bladder control:

    •Urinary tract infection (24-26%)
    •Urine left in the bladder (17%)
    •Trouble emptying the bladder (15-17%)
    •Difficulty passing urine (15%)

    Chronic migraine:

    •Neck pain (9%)
    •Headache (5%)

    Muscle spasms:

    •Pain in the arm or leg (up to 9%)
    •Muscle weakness (up to 4%)

    Neck muscle spasm:

    •Trouble swallowing (19%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (12%)
    •Neck pain (11%)
    •Headache (11%)

    Excessive armpit sweating:

    •Injection site pain (3-10%)
    •Bleeding (3-10%)
    •Infection (3-10%)

    Eyelid twitching:

    •Droopy eyelid (21%)
    •Damage to surface of the eye (6%)
    •Dry eye (6%)

    Crossed eyes:

    •Droopy eyelid (1-38%)
    •Eye misalignment (17%)

  • Warnings of Dysport vs. Botox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of toxin effects
    •Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    •Caution in people with existing muscle or nerve-related conditions
    •Dry eyes
    •Contains cow's milk protein
    •Possible risk of infection
    •Severe allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of toxin effect
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    •Lung problems in people with breathing conditions
    •Eye problems and bleeding
    •Bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections
    •Overactive nervous system
    •Urinary tract infections
    •Trouble emptying the bladder
    •Transmission of diseases

  • Prices with our coupons for Dysport vs. Botox

    Learn more about Dysport
    Learn more about Botox

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