
Dysport
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.
What is Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)?
What is Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) used 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
How Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) works
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is a neuromuscular blocker. It's a toxin made from bacteria (Clostridium botulinum) that temporarily lowers muscle activity by stopping a chemical called acetylcholine from being released in your muscle. This is helpful to treat muscle spasms that are caused by many different conditions, as well as frown lines.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Dysport |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Neuromuscular blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- 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.
Less Common Side Effects
- Eyelid swelling
- Eyelid drooping
- Nausea
- Inflamed or swollen sinuses
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat
The following Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blurred vision
decreased vision
difficulty with swallowing or speaking
double vision
hoarseness
itching of the eyes
muscle or bone pain
muscle weakness
problems with focusing of the eyes
seeing double
seizures
stuffy or runny nose
voice changes
Less common
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
body aches or pain
chills
cough producing mucus
difficult or labored breathing
ear congestion
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
joint pain
loss of appetite
loss of voice
muscle aches and pains
shivering
stiff muscles
sweating
tightness in the chest
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Incidence not known
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in color vision
difficulty seeing at night
dizziness
fast heartbeat
flushing or redness of the skin
increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
partial or slight paralysis of the face
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
unusually warm skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
Incidence not known
Dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
sensation of spinning
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
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
Pharmacist tips for Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
- Though rare, it's possible for Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) to spread beyond the original injection site. This can lead to serious side effects, such as muscle weakness, double vision, trouble swallowing, and breathing problems. These side effects can happen hours to weeks after the Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) injection, so look out for these side effects after you go home and call your provider right away if you experience those symptoms.
- If you need repeat treatment of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), you'll need to wait at least 3 months in between each session. Getting Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) more often than recommended can raise your risk of serious side effects such as breathing problems or muscle weakness. Talk with your provider if you've questions about how often you can receive Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA).
- Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) can cause dry eyes. If your eyes are dry, you can consider using lubricating eye drops to ease the discomfort.
- Though rare, Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) can cause vision problems. Talk with your provider right away if you notice eye pain or changes in your vision, such double vision or light sensitivity.
Risks and warnings for Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Spread of toxin effects
- Risk factors: Children | History of muscle, eye, or lung conditions
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) has been linked to spreading to other body areas outside of the injection site and causing 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.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Risk factors: History of swallowing or breathing problems | Myasthenia gravis | Lambert-Eaton syndrome | Current muscle-nerve conditions
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) can cause life-threatening problems with swallowing or breathing by weakening muscles involved in these functions, occurring hours to weeks after receiving the medication. These effects can last for many weeks. Your risk is higher if you have certain conditions affecting your muscles or nerves. If you notice any of these problems, seek medical help right away. If you have a history of swallowing or breathing problems, let your doctor know before receiving Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA).
Caution in people with existing muscle or nerve-related conditions
Let your provider know if you've any muscle or nerve-related medical conditions, such as myasthenia gravis. If so, you might be at higher risk for serious side effects of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), such as trouble swallowing or breathing, and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) might not be a good option for you.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes have been reported with the use of Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for frown lines. If symptoms of dry eye (e.g., eye irritation, sensitivity to light, vision changes) don't go away, let your provider know. You might need to be seen by your eye provider.
Contains cow's milk protein
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) contains cow's milk protein. If you have an allergy to cow's milk protein, let your provider know before receiving Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) injections. You'll likely need to use a different medication to lower the risk of serious allergic reactions.
Possible risk of infection
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) contains albumin, a protein from human blood. As with all blood products, there's a possible risk that it carries a risk for infections. Keep in mind this risk is extremely low because Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is made under strict manufacturing procedures that screens blood products for infections.
Severe allergic reaction
Rarely, Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) can cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience hives, swelling in your face or throat, or trouble breathing, get medical help right away.
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 units | 1 vial | $851.53 | $851.53 |
| 300 units | 1 vial | $513.61 | $513.61 |
Typical dosage for Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) is injected into the muscles (IM), by a healthcare provider in a clinic setting. If additional treatments are needed, you'll need to wait at least 3 months between each treatment.
- Neck spasms: The typical dose ranges from 500 units to 1,000 units given as divided doses IM into the affected muscles.
- Frown lines: The typical recommended dose is 50 units, divided into 5 smaller doses, injected IM into the affected muscles.
- Muscle spasms in limbs:
- Adults: The typical dose ranges from 500 units to 1,500 units given as divided doses IM into the affect muscles. The maximum dose per treatment session is 1,500 units.
- Children: Your child's provider will determine the dose based on your child's body weight. The typical dose ranges from 8 units/kg to 16 units/kg given as divided doses IM into the affect muscles. The maximum dose per treatment session is 30 units/kg or 1,000 units, whichever is lower.
Interactions between Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) cost?
$513.61
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to cow's milk protein
- Infection at the injection site(s)
What are alternatives to Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)?
Temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe facial lines, including:
News about Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)


