Author: Rob Heros and Joshua Alexander
COMMON USES:
Botulinum Toxin B may be used to treat cervical dystonia or spasticity (abnormally tight muscles or muscle spasm).
HOW ITS SUPPLIED:
Botulinum Toxin B comes as a sterile, injectable liquid with 5000 units in each milliliter.
HOW IT WORKS:
Botulinum Toxin B is injected into spastic muscles and relaxes them by blocking the nerve signals that normally tell the muscle to tighten, or contract. When that signal is blocked, the muscle relaxes. This action is temporary and reversible.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* Botulinum toxin B, is a chemical produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. While an infection with this toxin can spread through the body and weaken all muscles (called ?botulism?), Botulinum toxin B has been purified and sterilized and is normally used in very small amounts that only weaken a few muscles.
* Botulinum Toxin B may also be useful in patients who have developed some resistance to the effects of Botulinum Toxin A (Botox?)
* Very rarely, there may be skin swelling or rash where Botulinum Toxin B is injected and there may be flu-like aches and pains in your muscles for a day after injection.
* May cause difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and/or headache when injected into areas around the head.
* The effects of botulinum toxin are temporary and usually last between 2 and 4 months.
* Botulinum Toxin B may cause more weakness than expected when a child is also receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or medications that block nerve signals (such as Baclofen, or Zanaflex).
|
