Uses of AbobotulinumtoxinA Injection
AbobotulinumtoxinA injection is used to relieve the symptoms of cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis; uncontrollable tightening of the neck muscles that may cause neck pain and abnormal head positions). It is also used to temporarily smooth frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows). AbobotulinumtoxinA injection is used to treat spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) of muscles in the arms and legs in adults and spasticity of muscles in the legs in children 2 years of age and older. AbobotulinumtoxinA injection is in a class of medications called neurotoxins. It works by blocking the nerve signals that cause uncontrollable tightening and movement of the muscles.
Side Effects of AbobotulinumtoxinA Injection
pain, bruising, redness, or tenderness in the place where you received the injection
headache
swelling of the inside of the nose and throat
dry mouth
neck, bone, or muscle pain
pain in arms or legs
tiredness
nausea
vomiting
depression
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Some side effects of abotulinumtoxinA injection can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
vision changes
reduced blinking or eye dryness
eyelid swelling, irritation, or pain
itching
rash
hives
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
shortness of breath
dizziness
fainting
falling or problems with coordination
blood in urine
seizures
AbobotulinumtoxinA injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving abobotulinumtoxinA injection:
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), rimabotulinumtoxinB (Myobloc), any other medications, cow’s milk protein, cow’s milk protein, or any of the other ingredients in abobotulinumtoxinA injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take with abotulinumtoxinA injection. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antibiotics such as amikacin, clindamycin (Cleocin), colistimethate (Coly-Mycin), gentamicin, kanamycin, lincomycin (Lincocin), neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Neo-Rx), polymyxin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobi); cholinesterase inhibitors such as ambenonium (Mytelase), donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne), neostigmine (Prostigmin), physostigmine, pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol), rivastigmine (Exelon), and tacrine (Cognex); ipratropium (Atrovent); magnesium sulfate; medications for allergies, colds, irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease, sleep, ulcers, or urinary problems; muscle relaxants; and quinidine. Also tell your doctor if you have received injections of any botulinum toxin product in the past four months. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects while taking abotulinumtoxinA injection.
tell your doctor if you have swelling or other signs of infection in the area where abobotulinumtoxinA will be injected. Your doctor will not inject the medication into an infected area.
tell your doctor if you have ever had eye or face surgery; or any side effect from any botulinum toxin product and if you have or have ever had any changes in the way your face looks; bleeding problems; diabetes; or a slow or irregular heartbeat.
if you will be receiving abotulinumtoxinA injection to treat wrinkles, your doctor will examine you to see if the medication is likely to work for you. AbotulinumtoxinA may not smooth your wrinkles or may cause other problems if you have drooping eyelids; trouble raising your eyebrows; excess skin on your eyelids; deeply scarred, thick, or oily skin; or if your wrinkles cannot be smoothed by spreading them apart with your fingers.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving abobotulinumtoxinA injection, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving abobotulinumtoxinA injection.
you should know that abobotulinumtoxinA injection may cause loss of strength or muscle weakness all over the body; blurred vision; or drooping eyelids. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities
Dosage
AbobotulinumtoxinA injection comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and injected into affected muscles by a doctor. Your doctor will choose the best place to inject the medication in order to treat your condition. You may receive additional injections of abobotulinumtoxinA every 3 to 4 months, depending on your condition and how long the effects of the treatment last.
If you are receiving abobotulinumtoxinA injection for cervical dystonia, your doctor will probably start you on a low dose and gradually change your dose according to your response to the medication.
One brand or type of botulinum toxin cannot be substituted for another.
AbobotulinumtoxinA injection may help control your condition but will not cure it. If you are using abobotulinumtoxinA to treat cervical dystonia, it may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of abobotulinumtoxinA injection.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about abobotulinumtoxinA injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
