Frequently asked questions for OnabotulinumtoxinA
OnabotulinumtoxinA
Q. Can I use OnabotulinumtoxinA for lower limb spasticity?
Yes, OnabotulinumtoxinA is used to treat lower limb spasticity (stiffness or increased muscle tone) in adult patients to decrease the severity of increased muscle tone in ankle and toe.Q. Can I use OnabotulinumtoxinA for cosmetic reasons?
Yes, OnabotulinumtoxinA can be used for cosmetic reasons in adults aged 18 years or more. These cosmetic uses may include temporary smoothening of frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows), crow's feet lines (wrinkles near the outer corner of the eye), and forehead lines.Q. How long can I take OnabotulinumtoxinA?
The duration will depend upon the condition for which OnabotulinumtoxinA is being prescribed for. It is generally given as a one-time injection. The injection can be repeated after 3 months or 6-7 months, as advised by our doctor.Q. Can OnabotulinumtoxinA worsen migraine?
No, in fact OnabotulinumtoxinA is used to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It is especially used in adults who have 15 or more days each month with headache lasting 4 or more hours each day.Q. How should OnabotulinumtoxinA be stored?
Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator between 2° to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). They can be stored under this temperature for up to 3 yrs. Use within 24 hours of reconstitution (mixed with a liquid or diluent) and during these 24 hours it should be stored in the refrigerator (2° to 8°C).Q. How long will it take to see an improvement after receiving OnabotulinumtoxinA?
It may vary from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. Generally, the improvement starts appearing within the first two weeks while the maximum clinical benefit is reached approximately six weeks post-injection. Ask your doctor when you can expect to see an improvement, and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during the expected timeQ. Is it possible to detect OnabotulinumtoxinA in the blood?
No, OnabotulinumtoxinA cannot be detected in the peripheral blood following intramuscular injection at the recommended doses.Q. Can OnabotulinumtoxinA be used in overactive bladder?
Yes, OnabotulinumtoxinA is used to treat overactive bladder. This refers to a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination. Overactive bladder is more common in people aged 18 years or more and is given when other medications do not work well enough or cannot be given.Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking OnabotulinumtoxinA?
Your doctor must know about all your medical conditions before he prescribes OnabotulinumtoxinA to you. Inform your doctor if you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome). Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any botulinum toxin product or had any side effect from any botulinum toxin product in the past. Your doctor must know if you have a breathing problem (asthma or emphysema), swallowing problem, bleeding problem, have weak forehead muscles (trouble raising your eyebrows, have drooping eyelids), have any other change in the way your face normally looks, have plans to have surgery, or had surgery on your face. You should tell your doctor if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as pain or burning while urination, frequent urination, or fever and are being treated for inability to stop the urge to urinate or UTI. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.