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Compare Qbrexza vs. Botox

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

Key takeaways

Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both used to treat excessive underarm sweating, but they have some key differences. Qbrexza is an anticholinergic medication that you apply topically to your underarms using a towelette, while Botox is a neuromuscular blocker that must be injected by a healthcare professional. You use Qbrexza once every 24 hours. In contrast, Botox is typically administered every three months. Qbrexza is only available as a brand-name medication and can be expensive, whereas Botox is also brand-only and might be costly. Additionally, Botox has a broader range of uses, including treating muscle spasms, bladder problems, and preventing migraines, while Qbrexza is only approved for underarm sweating. Both medications have side effects, but Botox can have serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body.

Qbrexza (glycopyrronium)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Qbrexza (glycopyrronium)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Summary of Qbrexza vs. Botox
Summary for Anticholinergic
Prescription only
Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat excessive underarm sweating, also known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis, in people 9 years and older. It's available as a cloth that you use once a day to wipe both of your underarms. Common side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, and constipation. The medication is only available under brand name Qbrexza, as a generic version isn't available.
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 Qbrexza vs. Botox
Indications for

•Excessive underarm sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis)

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 Qbrexza vs. Botox
Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
Pros

•Is a first-choice option to treat excessive underarm sweating

•Applied to the underarms, directly targeting the sweat glands

•Only need to apply once a day, every 24 hours

Cons

•Can cause problems urinating and blurred vision

•Interacts with other anticholinergic medications

•Risk of accidental exposure to others, especially children, leading to unwanted side effects

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 Qbrexza vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•Dry mouth (24%)

•Redness in the underarm (17%)

•Burning and stinging in the underarm (14%)

•Itchy skin (8%)

•Widening of the pupils (7%)

•Sore throat (6%)

•Headache (5%)

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 Qbrexza vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•New or worsening urinary problems

•Heat strokes and high body temperatures

•Blurry vision

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
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Key takeaways

Summary of Qbrexza vs. Botox

Indications of Qbrexza vs. Botox

Pros and Cons of Qbrexza vs. Botox

Common Side Effects of Qbrexza vs. Botox

Warnings of Qbrexza vs. Botox

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