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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an update on Botulinum Toxin Safety warnings, which include the popular injection, Botox. The Aug. 3, 2009 FDA alert provides information for both healthcare providers and patients.
The FDA announced that it has approved a new black box warning that will be added to the prescribing information for both Botox/Botox Cosmetic ( OnabotulinumtoxinA ) and Myobloc (RimabotulinumtoxinB).
The boxed warnings (which are the highest level of warning issued by the FDA) highlight the potential risk that botulinum toxin may spread throughout the body from the injection site. Symptoms include difficult breathing and swallowing, difficulty speaking and formulating words, muscle weakness and loss of strength, loss of bladder control, and vision problems.
Patients who begin to experience any combination of the listed symptoms after an injection are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The spread of botulinum toxin may result in death if not treated.
The FDA safety warning provides information for both healthcare providers and patients. The following health precautions are intended for patients, family members and caregivers:
Patients should also be advised that botulinum toxin products are not interchangeable; they have varied indications and dosages.
The FDA also announced a name change for the three botulinum toxin products. The name changes emphasize the differing dose to potency levels in the three products. The name changes are as follows:
Trade Name |
New Drug Name |
Old Drug Name |
Botox |
OnabotulinumtoxinA |
Botulinum toxin type A |
Botox Cosmetic |
OnabotulinumtoxinA |
Botulinum toxin type A |
Dysport |
AbobotulinumtoxinA |
Botulinum toxin type A |
Myobloc |
RimabotulinumtoxinB |
Botulinum toxin type B |
(Source: FDA)
For more information about Botox/Botox Cosmetic, Dysport or Myobloc, contact our Botox Lawyers today.