You should not use Botox if you have an infection in the area where the medicine will be injected. This medicine should not be used to treat overactive bladder or incontinence if you have a current bladder infection or if you are unable to urinate (unless you routinely use a catheter).
The botulinum toxin contained in Botox can spread to other body areas beyond where it was injected. This can cause serious life-threatening side effects.
Call your doctor at once if you have a hoarse voice, drooping eyelids, vision problems, severe eye irritation, severe muscle weakness, loss of bladder control, or trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Botox if you are allergic to botulinum toxin, or if you have:
an infection in the area where the medicine will be injected; or
(for overactive bladder and incontinence) if you have a current bladder infection or if you are unable to urinate and you do not routinely use a catheter.
To make sure Botox is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
other botulinum toxin injections such as Dysport or Myobloc (especially in the last 4 months);
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or "Lou Gehrig's disease");
myasthenia gravis;
Lambert-Eaton syndrome;
a side effect after prior use of botulinum toxin;
a breathing disorder such as asthma or emphysema;
problems with swallowing;
facial muscle weakness (droopy eyelids, weak forehead, trouble raising your eyebrows);
a change in the normal appearance of your face;
bleeding problems; or
surgery (especially on your face).
Botox is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
