MEDICATION GUIDE
BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic
(Boe-tox) (onabotulinumtoxinA)
for Injection
Read the Medication Guide that comes
with BOTOX or BOTOX Cosmetic before
you start using it and each time it is given
to you. There may be new information.
This information does not take the place of
talking with your doctor about your medical
condition or your treatment. You should
share this information with your family
members and caregivers.
What is the most important information
I should know about BOTOX and BOTOX
Cosmetic?
BOTOX and BOTOX Cosmetic may cause
serious side effects that can be life
threatening, including:
• Problems breathing or swallowing
• Spread of toxin effects
These problems can happen hours, days,
to weeks after an injection of BOTOX or
BOTOX Cosmetic. Call your doctor or get
medical help right away if you have any
of these problems after treatment with
BOTOX or BOTOX Cosmetic:
1. Problems swallowing, speaking, or
breathing. These problems can happen
hours, days, to weeks after an injection
of BOTOX or BOTOX Cosmetic usually
because the muscles that you use to
breathe and swallow can become weak
after the injection. Death can happen
as a complication if you have severe
problems with swallowing or breathing
after treatment with BOTOX or
BOTOX Cosmetic.
• People with certain breathing problems
may need to use muscles in their neck to
help them breathe. These people may be at
greater risk for serious breathing problems
with BOTOX or BOTOX Cosmetic.
• Swallowing problems may last for several
months. People who cannot swallow well
may need a feeding tube to receive food
and water. If swallowing problems are
severe, food or liquids may go into your