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How AbobotulinumtoxinA Works and What to Tell Your Doctor
from eMedTV.comWhat Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Getting AbobotulinumtoxinA?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before receiving this injection if you have:- An infection near the site where the injections are administered
- Difficulty swallowing
- An allergy to cow's milk protein
- Neuromuscular disease, such as:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Dysport and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Dysport and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Warnings and Precautions With AbobotulinumtoxinA to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
How Does AbobotulinumtoxinA Work?
AbobotulinumtoxinA is a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The drug works by decreasing nerve signals to muscles, which helps them to relax. It enters nerve cells and inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits signals from nerve to nerve. The actions of the medication are not permanent, and the muscle will eventually recover and return to its previous state.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD