IncobotulinumtoxinA, or better known as Xeomin, is a US FDA approved prescription medicine manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals. It is used for temporary easing of moderate to severe wrinkles or frown lines that develop between the eyebrows in adults as well as for treating blepharospasm or cervical dystonia in adults.
Xeomin is manufactured from the bacteria which trigger botulism, i.e., it has purified protein botulinum toxin type A. This toxin obstructs nerve activities in the muscle tissues and thus facilitates temporary decrease in muscle action.
FDA approved the drug after checking the results of 2 clinical trials. Research published by the Journal of Neurological Sciences states that Xeomin is an effective and safe treatment for cervical dystonia. When used in similar dosage, Xeomin is as successful and safe as Botox with regards to treating the condition.
Cost of Xeomin treatment is comparable to Botox injections. It is also possible for the price to a little lower than Botox. Check for the most accurate pricing before making an appointment with doctor for Xeomin treatment.
Working mechanism of Xeomin
The muscles between the eyebrows contract when a person frowns or squints. This causes the skin to groove and crease. With the passage of time as the skin becomes older and somewhat loses its elastic properties, such repetitive tightening of the muscles can result in formation of permanent frown lines.
It may be noted that frown lines are ever-changing and develop due to facial movement of a person. The lines may not necessarily be directly related to the age of an individual and can form even in young adults.
The main ingredient in Xeomin, i.e., Botulinum toxin type A, works on the nerve endings occurring in muscle tissues and blocks the muscle fibers from tightening or contracting. Such reduction in contractions can temporarily ease and rid the forehead area of . Xeomin enhances and corrects the frown lines which changing the way the face looks. Facial muscles that are not treated by Xeomin also continue to work normally after treatment to nearby areas.
At the time of clinical trials, it was observed in some patients that the skin smoothened in just 3 to 4 days after they were given the injection. In most cases, the full effect and benefits of the treatment will be evident in about 14 days. The effects of Xeomin usually last for about 3 to 4 months. This may differ from one patient to another. Also, in some cases the frown lines may begin to reappear in 2 to 3 months. Successive Xeomin treatments often ensure that the injections remain effective and last for longer durations.
If the treatments are not continued, then the wrinkles between the eyebrows slowly return and the facial appearance changes to what it was before the treatment. Doing the procedure for only 1 or 2 times and then stopping will not cause any harm to the face.
It may be noted that nearly 100,000 patients around the world have been successfully treated by Xeomin.
Procedure and Side Effects of Xeomin treatment
Two weeks before Xeomin treatment, patients need to discontinue the use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and aspirin containing drugs as well as Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Omega’s, St. John’s Wort, and Vitamin E.
Discomfort associated with Xeomin treatment is short-lived and minimal. Doctors will apply a cold pack or use other methods to cool off the area and reduce any discomfort before the injection. A small needle with an insulin syringe is usually used during the procedure. The process takes about ten minutes to finish. In most cases, there is no downtime at the clinic after the procedure. Patients can easily walk out of the clinic after Xeomin treatment is complete.
All botulinum toxin medicines come with the risk of spreading from the site of injection to other areas. This is very serious and can result in life-threatening breathing and swallowing issues. Such risks were particularly observed in children who received Botox off-label treatment for cerebral palsy. However, such risks have not been observed in patients who underwent botulinum therapy for blepharospasm or for cosmetic purposes.
Some of the side effects associated with Xeomin treatment are listed below:
- Infection
- Local pain
- Tenderness
- Inflammation
- Redness; it may last for 1 or 2 days
- Allergic reactions like swelling, itching, or breathlessness
- Bruising and/or bleeding at the injection site. Marks or bumps that develop due to the injection disappear in a few hours. Any type of minor bruising resolves on its own just like other kinds of normal bruising.
Common side effects when Xeomin is used for treating blepharospasm are as follows:
- Dry eye
- Eyelid sagging
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Visual disturbances/impairment
- Upper respiratory system infections
- Shortness of breath
Side effects when Xeomin is used for treating cervical dystonia are:
- Muscle weakness
- Pain in neck
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Pain at injection site
