Xeomin

Xeomin is a medication approved to treat severe spasms of the neck (cervical dystonia) and eyelids (blepharospasm), treat spasticity of the upper limbs caused by stroke and temporarily remove wrinkles on the face.

Xeomin is a preparation made from botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin. Xeomin prevents nerves in the muscles from working properly.

Thus, Xeomin causes the muscles to become weak and paralyzed. Doctors find this useful in relieving conditions caused by unnecessary contraction of muscles.

Xeomin can cause improvement of symptoms in 4 to 7 days. The effects of Xeomin generally last for three to four months.

Xeomin is available only with a prescription. Xeomin is packaged in an injectable form, so you are likely to have it at the doctor’s clinic or hospital. Only a doctor can inject Xeomin to you.

Before using Xeomin, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

The doctor will consider the following before giving you Xeomin injections:

Tell your doctor if you experienced an allergic reaction to previous Xeomin or Botox injections. You also have to mention all your allergies to food, animal products, and other medicines.

There must be no infection on the injection site. Tell your doctor if you experienced rash, pimples, scarring, redness or swelling at the injection site.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before having IncobotulinumtoxinA injections. IncobotulinumtoxinA is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it can only be used if the benefit outweighs potential risks.

IncobotulinumtoxinA is not known to be completely safe for pregnant women and to individuals who breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are receiving IncobotulinumtoxinA injections.

Tell your doctor if you have health problems such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, bleeding tendencies, severe muscle weakness or muscle wasting at the injection site. IncobotulinumtoxinA may worsen conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and glaucoma. IncobotulinumtoxinA may not be appropriate if you have these conditions.

IncobotulinumtoxinA can cause problems in swallowing. Tell your doctor if you have a history of swallowing problems or aspiration of food or fluids into the lungs. Tell your doctor if you received Botox or IncobotulinumtoxinA injections, or underwent eye or face surgery in the past, especially within the last three to four months. 

IncobotulinumtoxinA may not be appropriate if you will undergo surgery on your face in three to four months. Tell your doctor first if you will have any surgery or operations before having IncobotulinumtoxinA injections.

List all the medications, over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements you take and give them to your doctor. Some of the medicines you must note include medications for allergy and colds, antibiotics like gentamicin, tobramycin, dibekacin and neomycin, and blood thinners such as warfarin. These medicines increase the risk of IncobotulinumtoxinA side effects.

Tell your doctor if you experienced weakness in any part of the face before having IncobotulinumtoxinA injections.

To use Xeomin properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Xeomin is an injectable drug. The drug comes with a medication guide. Make sure you to read and understand the medication guide before taking Xeomin.

The doctor will determine the IncobotulinumtoxinA dose and will be the one to inject the medication. Before the injection, the doctor may mark injection sites with a pen.

The doctor may inject IncobotulinumtoxinA to one or more sites, so expect to have several injections during treatment. The needles used for injecting IncobotulinumtoxinA are somewhat thin, so the discomfort should be only temporary.

For treatment of neck spasms (cervical dystonia) and upper limb spasticity, the doctor may use nerve stimulation or electromyography to locate the targeted muscles.

In using Xeomin, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Xeomin may cause dizziness, weakness, blurring of vision or loss of strength.

Drinking alcohol and other sedatives may worsen these effects. For your safety, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after having Xeomin injections.

If you are having medical care from another doctor or having dental work, tell that you are having IncobotulinumtoxinA treatments. If you became pregnant during IncobotulinumtoxinA treatment, call your doctor immediately.

Resume normal activities gradually after having IncobotulinumtoxinA injections. Do not switch between brands of Botulinum toxin products.

Xeomin may cause the following side effects, which are severe and needs immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, intense itching, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue, difficulty breathing and unusual hoarseness)
• Bleeding at the injection site
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Pain or irritation of the eye
• Fainting
• Fever and chills
• Blurring of vision
• Drooping of the eyelid
• Swelling of the eye or eyelid
• A persistent sore throat
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of strength
• Severe muscle weakness or spasms
• Shortness of breath
• Speech changes
• Wheezing

Here are the other side effects of Xeomin that are not serious:

• Decreased blinking
• Diarrhea
• Dryness of the mouth
• Headache
• Increased cough
• Muscle or bone pain
• Muscle weakness or spasms
• Neck pain
• Redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection site
• Runny nose
• Tiredness

If these symptoms bother you, call your health provider for assistance.