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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 used for many movement problems, bladder problems, and headache prevention, but it can have dangerous side effects if it spreads to areas outside of the injection area. It's only available as an injection that's administered by a healthcare provider.

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) in adults
•Loss of bladder control due to nerve problems in people 5 years and older
•Headache prevention in adults with long-term migraine (headaches lasting 4 hours or longer for 15 or more days per month)
•Muscle spasms in people 2 years and older
•Neck spasms in adults
•Excessive armpit sweating in adults
•Eyelid twitching in people 12 years and older
•Crossed eyes in people 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
•Works well to treat and prevent many different conditions
•Might be a good option when other treatments have failed
•Injected directly into the affected area(s)
•Effects can last many weeks or even months
Cons
•Needs to be injected by a healthcare provider
•Injections can be uncomfortable
•Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body
•Brand only, so might be expensive

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

OAB

•Urinary tract infection (UTI, 18%)
•Painful urination (9%)
•Difficulty passing urine (6%)

Loss of bladder control

•Urinary tract infection (UTI, 24-26% in adults, 7% in children)
•Urine left in bladder (17% in adults)
•Difficulty passing urine (15-17% in adults)
•Bacteria in urine (9% in adults, 20% in children)
•White blood cells in urine (7% in children)
•Painful urination (5% in adults)

Migraine prevention in adults

•Neck pain (9%)
•Headache (5%)

^*Not a comprehensive list of side effects, as they vary depending on the condition you have. Refer to the source below for more details.^

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 effects
•Serious allergic reaction
•Higher risk of side effects
•Difficulty swallowing or breathing
•Reduced blinking and eye bleeding
•Abnormal overreaction of your nervous system (autonomic dysreflexia)
•Higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) and trouble urinating (urinary retention)

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