What Is Dysport™?

Dysport™ is a brand name for the generic medication abobotulinumtoxinA. This drug relaxes a patient's muscles by affecting the nervous system. It is an injectable medication often used to treat cervical dystonia, which occurs when a patient suffers from severe muscle spasms in the neck. A patient with this medical condition will have neck pain, which may be eased by Dysport™ because it relaxes the muscles and restores the head to a normal position. Some people may also undergo injections to temporarily improve facial wrinkles, to help prevent migraines, or to treat excessive sweating.

The exact dosage and where the injections will be administered depends on what condition the doctor is treating. Some people may require multiple injections. Dysport™ generally takes effect no later than two weeks following an injection and the results may last for three to six months.

A health care professional will inject this drug intramuscularly, or into the muscle. When treating muscle spasms, the shot will be given into the affected muscles. The head and neck will be injected for those wishing to prevent migraines, while patients with excessive sweating will have a shot intradermally, or into the skin.

Some side effects may occur with the use of Dysport™, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. These may include vision problems, such as double vision, eye pain, or problems focusing the eyes. Some patients have also reported dry eyes, worsening vision, or blurry vision. Eye itching, dry mouth, and discoloration of the skin are also possible.

Other side effects can include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, along with ulceration or an infection. Some patients have reported eyelid swelling, drooping upper eyelids, and pain or tenderness around the eye area, however these side effects occur less frequently. Dizziness may also occur following an injection.

More serious side effects require a doctor's immediate care. Patients should see their doctors if they experience hoarseness, a sore throat, or changes with the voice. Muscle or bone pain, problems swallowing, or muscle weakness have also been reported. Dysport™ may less frequently cause joint pain, problems breathing, and severe itching, scaling, or swelling of the skin. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported, along with insomnia, tightness in the chest, and flu-like symptoms.

Before using Dysport™, patients should disclose their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements. As of 2011, the risk of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman using this drug is unknown; however, it may potentially cause adverse effects for the baby. It may be contraindicated for use by those with myasthenia gravis, breathing problems, or an allergy to cow's milk, along with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuropathy, or a history of surgical procedures on the facial area. This drug may interact with other medicines, including antibiotics, blood thinners, and quinine.