General Instructions:
- Dysport should only be administered by a trained healthcare professional. Never attempt to self-administer the injections.
- The treatment session is relatively short, usually taking less than 30 minutes.
- After receiving the injection, you may be advised to avoid rubbing the treated area for several hours to prevent the toxin from spreading to unintended muscles.
- Avoid lying down for about 4 hours after the procedure to prevent the toxin from migrating.
- Missed Dose:
Dysport is typically administered as a series of injections, so a missed dose is not common. If you believe you’ve missed a scheduled session or injection, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule.
Dysport contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that allows nerve signals to communicate with muscles. When acetylcholine is blocked, the muscles do not receive the signals to contract, causing the muscles to relax.
- Cosmetic Use: When injected into muscles in the face, Dysport helps to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles, particularly frown lines between the eyebrows (also known as glabellar lines). This results in a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Medical Use: Dysport can treat conditions such as cervical dystonia, where it helps to reduce muscle spasms in the neck, or spasticity, which involves muscle stiffness, particularly in the arms or legs.
While Dysport is generally safe, it may cause side effects in some people. Common and serious side effects include:
- Common Side Effects:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site.
- Headache or mild fever.
- Bruising around the area where the injection was given.
- Eyelid drooping (particularly with cosmetic use).
- Nausea or sore throat.
- Serious Side Effects:
- Muscle weakness: If Dysport spreads to unintended muscles, it can cause muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing.
- Breathing problems: In rare cases, Dysport may cause serious breathing problems, particularly if injected near the neck or throat area.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, Dysport may cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms like rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
If you experience any serious side effects or allergic reactions, seek immediate medical help.
- Allergic Reactions: Make sure your healthcare provider knows if you have a history of allergic reactions to botulinum toxin products.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Dysport during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider.
- Muscle or Nerve Conditions: If you have a history of neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), you should be cautious when using Dysport, as it may cause muscle weakness.
Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: If you experience difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing after receiving an injection, seek immediate medical attention.
- Dysport can interact with other neuromuscular blocking agents such as other forms of botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox) or muscle relaxants.
- Antibiotics and aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) can increase the risk of muscle weakness when used with Dysport.
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin or aspirin) may increase the risk of bruising at the injection site.
Always inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently using before receiving Dysport.
- Cosmetic Use:
- For the treatment of frown lines, the usual dose is 50 to 100 units, divided into several injection sites between the eyebrows.
- Medical Use:
- Cervical dystonia: The initial dose may range from 250 to 500 units, and it can be adjusted based on the patient’s response.
- Spasticity: The dosage for treating spasticity varies depending on the muscles involved.
The dose for each patient will be adjusted based on individual response and the condition being treated.
Dysport is a prescription-only medication and should only be administered by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or neurologist. It’s important to schedule a consultation with your doctor before receiving treatment to ensure Dysport is the right choice for you.