What is Azzalure Botulinum?

Azzalure® Botulinum is used to treat deep frown lines that appear vertically between the eyebrows. The medicine can improve appearance by improving the overall facial expression and making the individual look less unhappy and more inviting to approach. The positive effects of Azzalure can have a psychological effect on the individual making them more confident with their appearance.

How does Azzalure® Botulinum work in the body?

An active ingredient called botulinum toxin type A, is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a type of bacteria. The toxins role is to stop nerves from carrying out their normal function. By preventing the release of significant chemicals, muscle contraction is also inhibited. The positive effect is to make muscles between the eyebrows relaxed, diminishing the appearance of vertical frown lines. The effect is only temporary and further treatments can be given every three months.

When will results first start to be visible?

Results will first start to be visible after 3 days.

How long will the result last?

The effect can last for up to four months.

The following individuals can use Azzalure® Botulinum but only after seeking medical professional advice:

• Anyone with inflammation at the site of injection.
• Anyone with extremely weak muscles at the site of injection
• Anyone with haemophilia, a blood clotting disorder
• Anyone with dysphagia, where they have problems with swallowing food.
• Anyone with aspiration, where food goes in the air pipes.
• Anyone with neuromuscular disorders (motor neuropathy)
• Anyone currently under going surgery or suffering from head or chest injuries.

Who should not use this Azzalure® Botulinum?

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this product as not enough clinical data has been collected to suggest that it is safe. There is a risk of this product passing through the mother to her baby.

Any individuals that develop hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to the product should also refrain from using it. Children under 18 and adults over 65 should also not use this product.

Anyone with an infection on the skin surface at the proposed injection site should wait for the infection to completely disappear first.

If there is a probable muscle weakness(myasthenia gravis) already present then do not use Azzalure either. The following diseases and conditions should also rule out the use of this medicine: Eaton Lambert syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (degenerative nerve muscle disorder).

Are there any associated side effects with Azzalure® Botulinum?

There are a range of side effects which range from common, slightly common, not common and rare. It is important to be aware that dizziness, blurry vision and muscle weakness may occur following treatment which means that you should not drive or use any machines until the symptoms have cleared. If you experience any problems with swallowing food, or breathing or being able to speak clearly, see your doctor straight away.

If you use Azzalure more than required, your body will start to make antibodies to fight against the drug as it will treat it as a foreign body and begin to invade it, which will render the effects of Azzalure ineffective. It is advisable to wait at least 3 months before having any subsequent treatment.

Please note Azzalure composition includes albumin from human blood, which means there is a possible risk of viral infection. Please take this into consideration before starting treatment.

Common side effects include redness, bruising, headaches and pins and needles at the site of injection. Slightly common effects include eye pain, muscle twitching around the eye, eyelid swelling, dropping of the eyelid, dry eyes and also watery eyes. Much less uncommon effects include feeling dizzy, itchiness, double vision, blurry vision, rashes and swelling around the face. Rare reactions that are extremely unlikely to happen include problems with eye movements and the development of hives.