Botulinum Toxin Type B
Brand names: Myobloc®
Botulinum Toxin Type B injection
What is botulinum toxin type B injection?
BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE B (Myobloc®) is used to treat a condition known as cervical dystonia, a neurologic movement disorder. People with cervical dystonia have contractions of the neck and shoulder muscles. This causes abnormal and sometimes painful positions. Botulinum toxin relaxes these muscles and relieves the pain. Generic botulinum toxin type B injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• infection
• muscle disease
• myasthenia gravis or other neurologic disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to botulinum toxin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Botulinum toxin type B is only for injection by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with botulinum toxin type B?
• aminoglycoside antibiotics (examples: gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin)
• muscle relaxants
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking botulinum toxin type B?
It will take several weeks before you see the effects of botulinum toxin type B. The maximum benefit is reached in 4 weeks. Effects of the injection generally last 3—4 months and then repeat treatments may be given.
After receiving the injection, resume your normal activities slowly.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your health care professional that you receive botulinum toxin injections.
What side effects may I notice from receiving botulinum toxin type B?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional immediately:
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• skin rash
• speech problems
• unusual bleeding, bruising, or swelling in or around the injection site
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• temporary muscle weakness or discomfort at injection site
Where can I keep my medicine?
Botulinum toxin type B is given only by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Last updated: 1/28/2005 3:52:00 PM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
