What is botulinum neurotoxin ?
Botulinum neurotoxin is
a muscle-paralyzing protein produced by the organsism Clostridium botulinum.
How does botulinum
neurotoxin
act ?
Botulinum neurotoxin is
a very specific inhibitor of signal transduction between nerve and muscle.
What inications are
there for the use of botulinum neurotoxin ?
In medical practise the
toxin is very effective in the treatment of numerous neurological conditions.
It is also a cosmetic used to smooth (remove) facial wrinkles.
How is
botulinum neurotoxin
applied ?
The doctor injects the
drug directly into the targeted muscle.
Is botulinum neurotoxins
a safe medication ?
The treatment with botulinum
neurotoxin is
very safe, if the preparations are applied an experienced doctor, in
accordance with the producers' instructions.
The quantities used are minute. The paralysis caused is only temporary and the effect wears off after three months. The cessation of the paralysis is
an additional safeguard , should the toxin have been accidentally
injected into the wrong muscle.
Do treatment
failures occur with botulinum neurotoxin ?
Apart from the
physiological loss of action mentioned above (approximately 3 months after
an injection), resistance to the effect of the drug may develop in a small
minority of patients
(1 to 5 %), due to an immunological reaction (antibody formation).
What is to be done
if antibody formation is suspected ?
To avoid a futile continuation
of treatment due to the formation of antibodies, the patient's blood or
serum samples should be measured for antibodies.
Where can
antibodies be measured ?
Antibodies can be
measured by toxogen GmbH where a reliable, strictly supervised testing
procedure has been in place for years. Often, testing is paid for by the health
insurance companies.
Meeting the cost of
antibody testing
Before you request an
antibody test, make sure your health company will meet cost
Regarding this we have prepared a form to be filled in to assist you in
taking the necessary steps.
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