Botox is a prescription injection that serves multiple purposes. It is approved for the relief of neck pain associated with cervical dystonia as well as treatment of upper limb spasticity. It is also used in removing wrinkles that occur between eyebrows, or the so-called frown lines. Botox is also used in treating severe underarm sweating, eyelid twitching and misaligned eyes like crossed eyes. It is also prescribed for prevention of chronic migraines.
This multipurpose drug is made by Allergan Pharmaceuticals. Due to the numerous conditions it treats, dosage of Botox varies. Other considerations that can affect the dosage of Botox include the response of the patient to the medication and other drugs he or she is currently taking.
Botox Cost Information
A vial of Botox 100 units can cost as much as $600. The price may be lower if the buyer is able to present discount codes or coupon in online stores.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $564.06 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,121.88 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,239.00 |
Kmart |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $564.56 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,147.12 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,134.73 |
Kroger |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $565.31 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,147.12 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,123.13 |
Publix |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $564.56 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,147.12 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,147.12 |
Rite Aid |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $576.94 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,147.88 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,147.88 |
Target |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $599.00 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,128.13 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,147.12 |
Walgreens |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $645.00 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,143.87 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,263.00 |
Walmart |
| 100 units | 1 vial | $559.51 |
| 100 units | 2 vials | $1,114.01 |
| 200 units | 1 vial | $1,114.01 |
Short-Term Side Effects
The use of Botox can cause a person to experience conditions which may last for a few days or until the body adjusts to the medication. Short term side effects of Botox include difficulty with swallowing, breathing or speaking. Other users also complain of dryness of the eyes, inability to completely close the eyelids, and decreased blinking. Other short term side effects of this drug are body pain, congestion, chills, diarrhea, cough, fever, headache, joint pain nausea, runny nose and shivering.
Long -Term Side Effects
Chronic use of Botox can increase a person’s risks to side effects which could last for months or even longer. These long term side effects include pain in the bladder caused by an overactive bladder, bloody urine, difficulty with or painful urination, and frequent urge to urinate. Long-time users of Botox also say they suffer from lower back pain, neck pain, unusual exhaustion and skin rashes probably due to the numerous times they were injected with the drug. If these side effects persist, a patient should inform his doctor immediately.
How It Works
Botox is a toxin made by the bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. It works by lowering the nerve signals to the muscles causing the latter to relax. Botox goes inside the nerve cells, barring the production of acetylcholine which is a chemical that sends signals from one nerve to another. However, this drug won’t be able to sustain its actions. The muscle will recover and go back to its normal state. Botox works in the same way to treat severe sweating. It blocks the release of acetylcholine from the nerve cells which cause the stimulation of the sweat glands.
Interactions
Certain drugs may interact negatively with Botox, causing it to become less effective or increase the risks of side effects. These drugs include aminoglycoside antibiotics like Amikin, Gentamicin and Neo-Fradin as well as neuromuscular- blocking drugs like Nimbex, Nuromax, Mivacron, Zemuron, Norcuron, Anectine, and Tubocurarine.
Generic Alternatives
In case Botox causes long-term side effects to its user, a doctor may recommend using other drugs like PureTox, Myobloc and Dysport.
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