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Botox: Not for cosmetic use only!

Botox--which is the trade name for botulinum toxin--has been in the US pharmaceutical marketplace for several years now.  Most of us know it as a desirable in the world of cosmetic medicine; used widely by many stars of stage and screen, and other celebrities as well--to rid the appearance of facial wrinkles.  The effect of a treatment can last for several months, making it the ultimate cosmetic accessory. In nature, this toxin is produced by the bacteria species Clostridum.  The commercial version of the toxin is produced in laboratories for medical use.


Cartoon representation of Botulinum Toxin



Botox has found clinical applications outside of the cosmetic realm as well, For example,  when I was working hospital pharmacy I remember the interventional radiologist using it to treat patients who had a condition causing GI motility issues, known as gastroparesis.  It can also be used to treat patients who have problems with excessive sweating and a number of neurological disorders.

This product has made its way into the pain management world as well. Chronic migraine can be treated with botulinim toxin.  Painful muscle spasms can also be managed using botulinum toxin. The toxin is also a treatment option for patients who have chronic back, nerve, or other forms of chronic pain.

As exciting as this news is, one must consider that there are some downsides to treatment. For one thing, there are possible side effects just as with any other pharmaceutical product.  For some procedures, the physician must use CT scan or some other guided imaging to perform the treatment--and depending on the affected area, there may be little room for error!  The product package insert warns that the paralyzing affect of the product may spread to other areas of the body once injected. Some people have had allergic reactions to the product.  In other cases, there can be bruising at the injection site following a procedure.  Expense is another issue; one injection can cost $350 to $550! 

Sources: ABC News; Wikipedia; Docshop.com


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