OnabotulinumtoxinA

OnabotulinumtoxinA has a number of uses, including the treatment of crossed eyes, neck pain, and frown lines. The drug is injected directly into the muscles causing problems, and it works by decreasing nerve signals, helping the muscles relax. Because the effects of this product are temporary, injections must be repeated periodically. Possible side effects include neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and droopy eyelids.

What Is OnabotulinumtoxinA?

OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) is a prescription injection approved to:
 
  • Treat severe underarm sweating that has not responded to other treatments
  • Treat eyelid twitching or spasms (known medically as blepharospasm)
  • Temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines)
  • Relieve neck pain and abnormal head position associated with cervical dystonia (a certain kind of muscle spasm of the head and neck)
  • Treat misaligned eyes, such as crossed eyes (known medically as strabismus)
  • Prevent chronic migraines
  • Treat upper limb spasticity

 

The generic name for Botox was changed from "botulinum type A" to "onabotulinumtoxinA" to help prevent confusion and mix-ups between Botox and other similar botulinum type A products.
 
(Click What Is OnabotulinumtoxinA Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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