Once you’ve had Botox injected, the effects on the muscles usually become apparent within a few hours, with the main effects appearing after about a week. Are the injections safe? With regard to detection, protocols using NBC detection equipment (such as M-8 paper or the ICAM) will not indicate a "positive" when samples containing botulinum toxin are tested. [122] To confirm a diagnosis of botulinum toxin poisoning, therapeutically or to provide evidence in death investigations, botulinum toxin may be quantitated by immunoassay of human biological fluids; serum levels of 12–24 mouse LD 50 units per milliliter have been detected in poisoned people. [123] Ramachandran R, Yaksh TL (September 2014). "Therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in migraine: mechanisms of action". British Journal of Pharmacology. 171 (18): 4177–4192. doi: 10.1111/bph.12763. PMC 4241086. PMID 24819339. In January 2014, botulinum toxin was approved by UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for treatment of restricted ankle motion due to lower-limb spasticity associated with stroke in adults. [50] [51] Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (Commonly called botox), is a highly potent neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. [17] It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction, thus causing flaccid paralysis. [18] The toxin causes the disease botulism. [19] The toxin is also used commercially for medical and cosmetic purposes. [20] [21]

Gracco A, Tracey S (May 2010). "Botox and the gummy smile". Progress in Orthodontics. 11 (1): 76–82. doi: 10.1016/j.pio.2010.04.004. PMID 20529632. Distant spread of toxin effects - The effects of onabotulinumtoxinA and all botulinum toxin products may spread from the area of injection to produce symptoms consistent with botulinum toxin effects. These symptoms have been reported hours to weeks after injection. Swallowing and breathing difficulties can be life threatening and there have been reports of death. The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children treated for spasticity but symptoms can also occur in adults, particularly in those patients who have an underlying condition that would predispose them to these symptoms. Serious side effects of Botox FDA Approves Botox to Treat Chronic Migraines". WebMD. Archived from the original on 5 May 2017 . Retrieved 12 May 2017.JD and JA Carruthers also studied and reported in 1992 the use of botulinum toxin type-A as a cosmetic treatment.[78] They conducted a study of participants whose only concern was their glabellar forehead wrinkle or furrow. Study participants were otherwise normal. Sixteen of seventeen participants available for follow-up demonstrated a cosmetic improvement. This study was reported at a meeting in 1991. The study for the treatment of glabellar frown lines was published in 1992. [107] This result was subsequently confirmed by other groups (Brin, and the Columbia University group under Monte Keen [140]). The FDA announced regulatory approval of botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in 2002 after extensive clinical trials. [141] Well before this, the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A became widespread. [142] The results of Botox Cosmetic can last up to four months and may vary with each patient. [143] The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an alternative product-safety testing method in response to increasing public concern that LD50 testing was required for each batch sold in the market. [144] [145]

As a cosmetic treatment, Botox is relatively new, having only been available since 1990 (although used medically for many years before this) so a lot of people are, understandably, nervous about going for this treatment at a high street clinic. We chat to two Botox doctors about what’s involved and whether it really is worth the fuss to turn that frown upside down. What is a Botox injection? Lamanna C, McELROY OE, Eklund HW (May 1946). "The purification and crystallization of Clostridium botulinum type A toxin". Science. 103 (2681): 613–614. Bibcode: 1946Sci...103..613L. doi: 10.1126/science.103.2681.613. PMID 21026141. Satriyasa BK (10 April 2019). "Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect". Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 12: 223–228. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S202919. PMC 6489637. PMID 31114283.Two preparations of botulinum antitoxins are available for treatment of botulism. Trivalent (serotypes A, B, E) botulinum antitoxin is derived from equine sources using whole antibodies. The second antitoxin is heptavalent botulinum antitoxin (serotypes A, B, C, D, E, F, G), which is derived from equine antibodies that have been altered to make them less immunogenic. This antitoxin is effective against all main strains of botulism. [81] [24] Mechanism of action [ edit ] Target molecules of botulinum neurotoxin (abbreviated BoNT) and tetanus neurotoxin ( TeNT), toxins acting inside the axon terminal [82] a b c "Myobloc- rimabotulinumtoxinb injection, solution". DailyMed. 22 March 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022 . Retrieved 12 June 2022. Before receiving Botox injections, patients should discuss their medical history and any potential concerns with their healthcare provider. Botox and Breastfeeding a b "Onabotulinum toxin A - Allergan - AdisInsight". Archived from the original on 30 October 2017 . Retrieved 5 September 2017.