Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a).
Angle-closure Glaucoma: Botulinum toxin can cause angle-closure glaucoma in those at risk. Your doctor will monitor for this if necessary. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Distant toxin spread: Very rarely, Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a) may spread to other parts of the body other than where it was injected, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, pneumonia, speech difficulties, and breathing problems. Distant toxin spread can be fatal. If you develop severe difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing while using Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), contact your doctor immediately.
Heart disease: Botulinum toxin has rarely been reported to cause arrhythmia and heart attack. People with heart conditions may be at increased risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack. If you have a heart condition, discuss with your doctor how Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other medical conditions: People with certain nerve or muscle disorders are at increased risk of developing serious side effects, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, any disorder that produces a depletion of acetylcholine, or disorders that produce peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction, discuss with your doctor how Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while receiving Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if botulinum toxin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are receiving Botox (Onabotulinumtoxin-a), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this have not been established for children under 18 years of age.