How does BOTOX and the new product Xeomin compare?
Xeomin® is a Botulinum Toxin A, made by Merz Pharmaceuticals that contains the same active ingredient found in BOTOX® and Dysport®. Unlike BOTOX however, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated before reconstitution. Xeomin isn’t currently approved for cosmetic uses but it is comparable to to BOTOX and Dysport.
Uses for Xeomin
Xeomin is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia, severe neck spasms, or blepharospasm, advanced eyelid spasms. It is not approved for the treatment of wrinkles and crows feet in the United States, but it is used throughout Europe and Canada for this purpose.
Merz, the company that developed Xeomin, reports that clinical studies for cosmetic applications are underway. Doctors are able to use this product in what is referred to as “off-label” manner, meaning that your doctor can prescribe Xeomin at doses and for procedures other than those recommended by the FDA, however in these situations, you are using the product at your own risk. It is possible to obtain treatment for cosmetic indications with Xeomin. Just note that such uses have not been tested rigorously and may pose higher risk than being treated with drugs that are formally approved for treating cosmetic issues such as BOTOX® and Dysport®. Based on studies so far and the use of Xeomin in Europe – where it is available for cosmetic purposes – doctors anticipate that Xeomin will work very much like BOTOX for cosmetic applications.
Botox versus Xeomin
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Xeomin will be better than BOTOX, or less effective. If you are treated with Xeomin, the dose your doctors uses may be the same or slightly different than the dose used for BOTOX. These products are not bioequivalent and for this reason, treatment may vary.
Like any product introduced into the market as a competitor to existing brands, the use of Xeomin, once it is approved by the US FDA for cosmetic use, will be based largely on personal preference. But as with any Botulinum Toxin A injection, it’s important to remember that only an experienced cosmetic surgeon should perform the procedure. Just as BOTOX and Dysport cannot be administered by an esthetician, an unsupervised nurse, or anyone other than a licensed professional, Xeomin is no different. Do not assume that because it is new and has different dosing and storage requirements than BOTOX, that it can be administered by anyone.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
I have mild myasthenia gravis. Is it okay for me to have cosmetic Xeomin treatment?
Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is FDA approved and being distributed for use in the United States. However, the current FDA-approvals for this product only extend to two medical conditions: blepharospasm and cervical dystonia. Xeomin is is not currently FDA approved for cosmetic procedures.
Xeomin and FDA approval for cosmetic use
Merz, the company that developed Xeomin, reports that clinical studies for cosmetic applications are underway. Doctors are able to use this product in what is referred to as “off-label” manner, meaning that your doctor can prescribe Xeomin at doses and for procedures other than those recommended by the FDA, however in these situations, you are using the product at your own risk. It is possible to obtain treatment for cosmetic indications with Xeomin. Just note that such uses have not been tested rigorously and may pose higher risk than being treated with drugs that are formally approved for treating cosmetic issues such as BOTOX® and Dysport®. Based on studies so far and the use of Xeomin in Europe – where it is available for cosmetic purposes – doctors anticipate that Xeomin will work very much like BOTOX for cosmetic applications.
Xeomin and myasthenia gravis
Regardless of FDA approvals, Xeomin, or any other clinical botulinum toxin, should not be used on individuals with myasthenia gravis. If you have myasthenia gravis, you have antibodies that attack the neuromuscular junctions causing weakness. You are especially susceptible to the effects of botulinum toxin. Even relatively low-dose treatments can be associated with unwanted systemic effects including unpleasant or even life-threatening effects on the muscles responsible for swallowing and breathing. Individuals with neuromuscular junctional disorders like myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, treated for blepharospasm are at increased risk of complications due to reduced blink function including dry eye, corneal exposure, and even corneal ulceration. For these reason avoid botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes and carefully monitor treatments if you are receiving them for medical reasons.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon. He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery. He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions. He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago. He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage. He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally. He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities. Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care.
To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialization in botulinum toxin treatments, please contact us today.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
