Side effects and risks
Common Side Effects of Botox
Botox has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In studies of Botox for cosmetic use (to improve the appearance of lines between the eyebrows), common side effects included:
Droopy eyelids -- in up to 3 percent of people
Nausea -- up to 3 percent
Muscle weakness -- up to 2 percent
Facial pain -- up to 2 percent
Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 1 percent
Tooth problems -- up to 1 percent
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- up to 1 percent.
In studies of Botox for treating medical conditions rather than for cosmetic purposes, the following common Botox side effects were reported:
Droopy eyelids -- in up to 20.8 percent of people
Difficulty swallowing -- up to 19 percent
Vertical misalignment of the eye (vertical deviation) -- up to 16.9 percent
Upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 12 percent
Neck pain -- up to 11 percent
Headache -- up to 11 percent.
Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 10 percent of people) included:
Cough
Flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and chills
Back pain
Runny or stuffy nose
Dizziness
Soreness at the injection site
Weakness
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Bleeding at the injection site
Infection
Sore throat
Anxiety
Bronchitis
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Nausea
Fatigue.
