Botox approved for severe underarm sweating
FDA Consumer, Sept-Oct, 2004
After being approved for several other purposes since 1989, including improving the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows, Botox now can treat severe underarm sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) that cannot be managed by topical agents.
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used to treat underarm sweating, small injected doses of the sterile purified botulinum toxin stop release of the chemical messenger acetylcholine, temporarily blocking the nerves in the underarm that stimulate sweating.
Before being treated for underarm sweating, patients should be evaluated for other potential causes of the problem. The most common adverse events associated with the new treatment included injection site pain and hemorrhage, sweating in other parts of the body, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, itching, and anxiety..
Botox was first approved in December 1989 to treat the eye muscle disorders blepharospasm and strabismus. Since then, it has been approved to treat a neurological movement disorder causing severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions (cervical dystonia). In 2002, it was approved as Botox Cosmetic to improve frown lines.
The safety and effectiveness of Botox for sweating that occurs in other areas of the body have not been established.
COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Government Printing Office
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group |
