Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is an injectable prescription drug that is administered by a doctor to temporarily remove wrinkles from the facial skin. Botox can also be used to treat excessive underarm sweating, uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm), cervical dystonia or misaligned eyes (strabismus). This medication is prepared from a toxic bacterium called Clostridium botulinum---the same pathogen that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. Before receiving Botox treatment, speak with your doctor to discuss the potential side effects associated with this medication.
Muscle Weakening or Paralysis
One of the intended effects of this medication is to decrease or stop muscle function at the site of injection. This medication can cause you to experience decreased muscle strength or an absence of voluntary muscle control at the treated site. The prescribing information provided by Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland---the manufacturer of Botox---warns that the toxin in this medication can spread to the muscles surrounding the treated site. This can cause unintended weakness or paralysis to develop within these muscles. Muscular effects of Botox progressively subside over time, which can require patients to receive additional treatments to achieve these desired effects.
Injection Site Pain
After receiving a Botox injection, you can experience mild to severe pain at the site of treatment. The skin surrounding the injection site can appear red, swollen or bruised, and can feel tender to the touch. Painful symptoms associated with Botox injection are typically temporary and should subside within a month following treatment.
Flu-like Symptoms
If you receive a treatment of Botox, you can experience flu-like symptoms following the injection. Such symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, body aches, runny nose or fatigue.
Upset Stomach
Patients who receive Botox injection treatment can experience stomach-related side effects due to this medication. Following treatment, you may develop nausea or indigestion due to Botox.
Eye Irritation
If you receive a Botox injection near your eyes, you can develop eye-related side effects. Your eyes can become dry or irritated, which can cause them to appear red or bloodshot. Eye irritation can also cause your eyes to become itchy or watery. Certain patients might experience difficulty focusing. If you develop blurred or double vision, eyelid swelling or drooping of the eyelid after receiving a Botox injection, speak with your doctor immediately.
Allergic Reaction
Though rare, certain patients who receive Botox treatment can experience severe side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop hives, chest pain or tightness, bleeding at the injection site, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, or speech alterations. If left untreated, such symptoms can be fatal.
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