Botox Alternative Xeomin Approved by FDA

by Marisa Amorasak

Since its release in 2002, BOTOX Cosmetic® has become a widespread phenomenon amongst the age-conscious crowd. Using an injectable solution called botulinum toxin A, Botox literally relaxes contracted facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox is minimally invasive and offers nearly immediate results, making it one of the easiest ways to look younger. In 2009, a new injectable using botulinum was approved by the FDA. Dysport® offers similar results to Botox, but with different dosage levels, duration, and course of action. A third form of botulinum has now entered the cosmetic market called Xeomin. Officially approved by the FDA in July 2011, Xeomin offers patients interested in wrinkle removal a new option.

Xeomin, The Naked Toxin

Not all botulinum is created equal. The outstanding difference between Xeomin and its competitors is that Xeomin is a so-called “naked toxin.” As New York Plastic Surgeon Z. Paul Lorenc explained, “There are seven distinct serotypes of botulinum toxins. Among the current range of neuromodulators, clinical variables include the onset of action, spread or field of effect, duration and safety. What is unique about Xeomin® is that it is considered a “naked toxin”, so it does not contain complexing proteins, which may offer some advantages.”

This will be a likely draw for Merz Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Xeomin. Some patients have dismissed Botox and Dysport due to their complex chemical makeup. Pure botulinum is less likely to be rejected by the body, so patients that may have developed adverse reactions to Botox may be able to use Xeomin successfully. Due to its pure form, Xeomin has been labeled particularly useful on severe frown lines, or “11 lines” on the forehead.

Xeomin vs Botox and Dysport

Doctors believe Xeomin is more like Botox than Dysport. Xeomin has the same dosage levels as Botox, which is beneficial to administering doctors who don’t have to learn new dosage systems. It also takes about a week for the full effects of Xeomin to set in, and the same is true for Botox. Similarly, Xeomin is expected to cost the same amount as Botox—about $400 to $600 per standard treatment.

Xeomin Risks and Side Effects

Like other cosmetic injectables, Xeomin carries some risks and side effects. There is a rare chance that if botulinum spreads outside of the intended treatment area, it can interfere with necessary breathing mechanisms. This problem has not been reported from cosmetic botulinum use; the risk primarily lies within off-label botulinum used on children for cerebral palsy.

Common side effects of Xeomin include bruising and bleeding at the injection site. If a patient has an allergic reaction to Xeomin, he or she may experience shortness of breath, itching, and swelling. Contact your doctor immediately should you experience an allergic reaction to Xeomin or to any other cosmetic injectable.

Xeomin Availablity

Xeomin has already made a huge step by gaining FDA approval. Expect to see Xeomin at your local plastic surgeon or skincare specialist’s office in Spring 2012. If you’d like to learn more about Xeomin, Dysport, or Botox, contact our representatives today. We’ll gladly schedule a free consultation with a skincare specialist in your area.