The FDA just approved some competition for the beloved BOTOX. Xeomin is a botulinum toxin based treatment that was FDA approved to treat muscle spasms and twitches.
Merz Pharmaceuticals announced Monday the approval of Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), a treatment for cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. Cervical dystonia and blepharospasm are part of a group of disorders known as focal dystonias. These are known to cause sustained muscle contractions that can affect the neck and eyelids.
Xeomin is derived from botulinum toxin, the same basic ingredient found in BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA), which is also used to treat focal dystonias. But, as we all know, BOTOX also treats wrinkles and fine lines. While Xeomin hasn't been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, physicians will likely begin to offer it as an off-label procedural option to patients. Check back for more information about Xeomin and it's cosmetic use status. Meanwhile, check out these pages for more information about BOTOX and Dysport, the only two botulinum toxin products approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.
