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Botox Injections
In 2004, for the first time in decades, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
approved a new treatment for excessive sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhidrosis).
Specifically, on Monday, July 19, 2004, the FDA approved BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A)
for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis in patients unable to obtain
relief using antiperspirants.
BOTOX is produced by Allergan, Inc., of Irvine, California, and it is the most studied brand of botulinum
toxin in the world. BOTOX has been available for over a decade and has been used to treat more than
1 million patients with various conditions, including spasticity and movement disorders. With
FDA approval, the United States joins more than 20 other countries that have already approved the use of
BOTOX for excessive sweating.
Using local injections of botulinum toxin to alleviate the symptoms of hyperhidrosis is a promising approach.
Research has shown that treating the armpits, hands, feet, and face with botulinum toxin
is safe and effective. In one clinical study involving 322 patients with severe underarm sweating, 81%
of the patients receiving botulinum toxin injections achieved a greater than 50% reduction in sweating.
And, 50% of the patients had their excessive sweating relieved for at least 201 days (nearly 7 months).
Botulinum toxin is a natural, purified protein with the ability to temporarily block the secretion
of the chemical in the nervous system that is responsible for "turning on" the body's sweat glands.
By blocking, or interrupting, this chemical messenger, botulinum toxin "turns off" sweating at the
area where it has been injected.
Using Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections Effectively
The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of hyperhidrosis is most effective when performed by
a physician who has received special training and who has experience with the procedure. To find
a physician in your area who is familiar with hyperhidrosis treatments, use our Physician Finder.
Physicians who have attended an International Hyperhidrosis Society educational event (which includes information and training
on using botulinum toxin to treat hyperhidrosis) are highlighted.
Botulinum toxin injections can be administered in a physician's office, require relatively little time,
and do not demand any restrictions in work or leisure activity (aside from refraining from intensive
exercise or the use of a sauna on the day of the injections).
During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin just under
the skin near the sweat glands responsible for excessive perspiration. Multiple injections are given
based on your doctor's assessment of the area that needs to be treated. Injections into the palms or
soles may be painful. To ease discomfort, physicians may use one or more of a number of anesthetic
techniques such as pain-killing creams, nerve blocks, ice, or vibrations.
There is a possibility that during the procedures some sweat glands may be missed. As a result, you may
continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas. If this happens, it's important to talk
to your doctor so that he or she can reevaluate the sweating areas and perhaps "fill in" the gaps with
additional injections.
Botulinum toxin injections do not cure hyperhidrosis; your symptoms will return gradually. Follow-up
injections are required to maintain dryness. These repeat injections may be necessary at intervals
varying from seven to sixteen months.
Next Steps
Have you talked to your doctor about excessive sweating? If not, now is the time! Learn more about how you and your doctor
can work together to find the right treatment,
or combination of treatments, to manage your hyperhidrosis.
Are you interested in trying local botulinum toxin injections for hyperhidrosis? As mentioned above, our
Physician Finder can help
you locate physicians who treat hyperhidrosis. Use it today!
Finally, you may want to consider participating in a clinical trial. Patients enrolled in
clinical trials often receive treatments free of charge. Visit our Clinical and Market Research page to find out more and whether you're eligible to participate.
And remember, because hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition - you deserve insurance coverage
and reimbursement for your doctor's visits and treatments, We've got tips to help you navigate the
health insurance realm; visit Insurance Tools
for more information. If you are seeking reimbursement for treatment with BOTOX specifically,
you may find help through Allergan's BOTOX Reimbursement Hotline. This line can be reached toll-free
in the U.S. at 800-530-6680 or via fax at 877-530-6680. Or send an e-mail to
Botox.Reimbursement@covance.com.
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Find a doctor who treats excessive sweating. |
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