Botulinums
Botox
Also called: Botulinum toxin type A
Summary
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism.
Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including
Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance
Severe underarm sweating
Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking
Strabismus – misaligned eyes
Chronic migraine
Overactive bladder
Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.