AbobotulinumtoxinA

Generic name: abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) [ A-boe-BOT-ue-LYE-num-TOX-in-A ]
Brand name: Dysport
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (500 units), intramuscular powder for injection (300 units)
Drug class: Skeletal muscle relaxants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 4, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport)?

Dysport is used in adults to treat cervical dystonia (abnormal head position and neck pain).

Dysport is also used to treat muscle spasms and stiffness (spasticity) of the arms, hands, legs, and feet in adults and children at least 2 years old. This medicine will not treat spasticity caused by cerebral palsy.

Dysport is also used to temporarily lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Dysport may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

The botulinum toxin contained in Dysport 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 muscle weakness, loss of bladder control, or trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to botulinum toxin or cow''s milk, or if you have an infection in the area where the medicine will be injected. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a side effect after receiving botulinum toxin in the past.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or "Lou Gehrig''s disease");

• myasthenia gravis;

• Lambert-Eaton syndrome;

• 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;

• a seizure disorder;

• bleeding problems;

• a heart rhythm disorder;

• diabetes;

• dry eyes after after receiving botulinum toxin in the past;

• a recent or planned surgery (especially on your face); or

• other botulinum toxin injections such as Botox, Myobloc, or Xeomin.

Dysport 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.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Dysport given?

Dysport injections should be given only by a trained medical professional, even when used for cosmetic purposes.

This medicine is injected into a muscle by a healthcare provider. Dysport injections should be spaced at least 3 months apart. Children should not be treated with Dysport more often than every 12 to 16 weeks.

Dysport injections may be given into more than one area at a time, depending on the condition being treated.

The effects of a Dysport injection are temporary. Your symptoms may return completely within 3 months. After repeat injections, it may take less and less time before your symptoms return, especially if your body develops antibodies to the botulinum toxin.

Do not seek botulinum toxin injections from more than one medical professional at a time. If you switch healthcare providers, tell your new provider how long it has been since your last botulinum toxin injection.

Using this medicine more often than prescribed will not make it more effective and may result in serious side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since botulinum toxin has a temporary effect and is given at widely spaced intervals, missing a dose is not likely to be harmful.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may not appear right away, but can include muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, and weak or shallow breathing.

What should I avoid after receiving Dysport?

Dysport may impair your vision or depth perception. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid going back to your normal physical activities too quickly after receiving an injection.

Dysport side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The botulinum toxin contained in Dysport can spread to other body areas beyond where it was injected. This has caused serious life-threatening side effects in some people receiving botulinum toxin injections, even for cosmetic purposes.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects (up to several hours or several weeks after an injection):

• trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing;

• hoarse voice, drooping eyelids;

• problems with vision;

• unusual or severe muscle weakness (especially in a body area that was not injected with the medication);

• pain or burning when you urinate, red or pink urine;

• loss of bladder control; or

• vision changes, eye pain, severely dry or irritated eyes (your eyes may also be more sensitive to light).

Common side effects of abobotulinumtoxinA may include:

• muscle weakness, problems with balance;

• headache, muscle or joint pain, pain in your arms or legs;

• vision changes, drooping eyelids, dry or puffy eyes;

• a reaction where the medicine was injected (pain, itching, redness, warmth, bruising, numbness, tingling, swelling);

• nausea;

• fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;

• voice changes, dry mouth, trouble swallowing; or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Dysport?

Other drugs can increase some of the side effects of Dysport, including cold or allergy medicine, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, bronchodilators, bladder or urinary medicines, and irritable bowel medicines. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an injected antibiotic-- amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Dysport, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor that you have received Dysport in the past.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Frequently asked questions

• What is botulinum toxin used to treat?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.