- Temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines)
- Relieve neck pain and abnormal head position associated with cervical dystonia (a certain kind of muscle spasm of the head and neck).
(Click Dysport Uses for more information on indications for this drug, including possible off-label uses.)
Dysport is made by Ipsen Biopharm, Ltd., and is marketed and distributed by Tercica, Inc., and Medicis Aesthetics, Inc.
Dysport is a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The drug works by decreasing nerve signals to muscles, which helps them to relax. It enters nerve cells and inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits signals from nerve to nerve. The actions of the medication are not permanent, and the muscle will eventually recover and return to its previous state.
For severe sweating, Dysport works similarly, blocking the release of acetylcholine from the nerve cells that stimulate the sweat glands.
General considerations to keep in mind when taking Dysport include the following:
- The drug comes in injectable form. It is injected directly into the muscles that are causing the problems.
- Your healthcare provider may choose to use an anesthetic cream to numb your skin before the injection, but this is not necessary. If you are worried about pain, ask your healthcare provider about using an anesthetic cream.
- The effects of this medication are not permanent. You will need to receive injections periodically in order to maintain the effects.
The dose of Dysport your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The condition being treated
- How you respond to the injections
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
Just like any drug, Dysport may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the injections will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects with Dysport include but are not limited to:
- Droopy eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Headache.
(Click Dysport Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Dysport
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before you receive this product if you have:
- An infection near the site where you receive the injections
- Difficulty swallowing
- An allergy to cow's milk protein
- Neuromuscular disease, such as:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Dysport?
People who receive too much Dysport may experience the following symptoms:
- Muscle paralysis, which can be quite dangerous
- General weakness.
If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should This Medication Be Stored?
Dysport should be stored in the refrigerator at your healthcare provider's office. It comes as a dry powder that must be mixed with saline. After it is mixed, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within four hours.
Dysport comes in the following vial sizes:
- Dysport 300 unit single-use vials
- Dysport 500 unit single-use vials.
The medication comes as a freeze-dried powder that must be reconstituted with saline. Depending on how much saline is used, Dysport can be mixed to various concentrations.
Is There a Generic Version of Dysport?
